Sir Keir Starmer resisting calls to stand down was “selfish and stubborn”, according to the current sole Scottish Labour leadership contender, Monica Lennon.
The former prime minister came under increasing pressure in his final months in Downing Street as a result of cratering polls, but did not quit until after Andy Burnham made his return to Westminster, winning the Makerfield by-election.
The earliest high profile call for Sir Keir to quit came from former Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who broke cover in February.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland on Monday, Ms Lennon – who will return to Holyrood following Mr Sarwar’s resignation – said one of the key issues which saw Labour drop to just 17 MSPs was Sir Keir himself.
“Clearly, the focus is the May election and what’s happened in Scotland,” she said.
“The party has had its worst election result ever in the history of the Scottish Parliament – in fact we’ve been losing seats and votes since 1999, so there’s a downward trend that cannot be ignored.
“There’s lots of reasons, but I think the primary reason was Keir Starmer.
“We couldn’t get a proper hearing on the doorsteps or around the country because that was the first thing that was brought up.
“People felt they saw Keir Starmer and his words and actions didn’t match – there was a deep disappointment.”
She added: “I think, on reflection, Keir Starmer should have read the room, I think he was selfish and stubborn and I think that’s been a big part of our problem.
“That has contaminated people’s view of Scottish Labour.”
While the party is at its lowest ebb since the creation of the Scottish Parliament in terms of MSPs, Ms Lennon warned, “it can get worse”.
The soon-to-be Glasgow MSP is the first to throw her hat in the ring to replace Mr Sarwar, but has encouraged others to do so.
“Scottish Labour’s got some serious decisions to make, and it’s really important that our members have their say, that they’re heard,” she said.
“I hope that other colleagues do come forward because I would welcome a debate, a discussion and a contest, because I think we really need to have that.”
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