A LEADING trade union have announced their choice for the upcoming Scottish Labour leadership election. 

Unite the Union have endorsed Monica Lennon MSP for Central Scotland in the upcoming race to become the party's 10th leader since the founding of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.

Ms Lennon won the endorsement following a meeting of the union's executive committee today. 

READ MORE: Scottish Labour: Monica Lennon launches bid to become next leader

Monica Lennon MSP, Scottish Labour Leadership candidate, said: "I’m proud to have the endorsement of Unite Scotland in my bid to become leader of the Scottish Labour Party. 

"I came into politics to make life better for workers and for people who don’t get a fair start in life. As leader of Scottish Labour, my mission will be to deliver the radical social and economic change that Scotland needs."

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Pat Rafferty, Unite Scottish Secretary, said: “Unite Scotland is proud to endorse Monica Lennon for Scottish Labour Party leader.

"We have worked closely with Monica on a number of issues including the Period Poverty campaign which has now become world leading legislation.

"She is a person who understands the day to day struggles of working people and the challenges people face in making ends meet.

"Monica is also a strong supporter of trade unions and it's a combination of these personal and political qualities, which we believe make her absolutely the best placed person to lead a revival of the party’s fortunes in Scotland.”

Ms Lennon is set to face Glasgow MSP Anas Sarwar in a bid to become the next leader of Scottish Labour. Results will be announced in an online ceremony on Saturday February 27.