PersonGB
Joe Fagan
MSP for South Scotland and former leader of South Lanarkshire Council.
Last refreshed: 12 August 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Key Question
Can Joe Fagan reach the Scottish Labour leadership ballot on time?
Timeline for Joe Fagan
#15 2 Aug
Declared as a candidate for the Scottish Labour leadership
UK Local Elections 2026: Three run for Scottish Labour leaderBackground
Joe Fagan declared his candidacy for the Scottish Labour leadership on 28 July 2026, one of three MSPs standing to succeed Anas Sarwar. He has sat as the Member of the Scottish Parliament for South Scotland since May 2026 and previously led South Lanarkshire Council. Reaching the ballot needs nominations from three MSPs, three MPs and three affiliated organisations, including two trade unions, by 10:00 on 17 August. Members vote from 28 August, with the result due on 19 September.
Common Questions
Who is running to be the next Scottish Labour leader?
Michael Marra, Joe Fagan and Monica Lennon have declared as candidates to succeed Anas Sarwar.Source: inkl
What council did Joe Fagan lead before Holyrood?
Joe Fagan led South Lanarkshire Council before winning the South Scotland seat in May 2026.
When does the Scottish Labour leadership contest close for nominations?
Nominations close at 10:00 on 17 August 2026; each candidate needs three MSPs, three MPs and three affiliated organisations, including two trade unions.Source: inkl
How the World Sees Them
Sinn Féin
no intent, plan or otherwise
Scottish Labour
This 'contest' reeks of misogyny and male entitlement.
Democratic Unionist Party
goaded
Scottish National Party
the most undemocratic trick in the Westminster book
MHCLG / Steve Reed
further time is required as it is vital that we get these decisions right
Local Government Association / litigating councils
simply not deliverable
Local Government Association
significant risks to statutory services
Rupert Lowe / Restore Britain
Reform-sponsored media circus
Kemi Badenoch / Conservative Party
fake by-election