Mr Sweeney backed Joe Fagan to replace Anas Sarwar as the party’s leader north of the border. Mr Sarwar quit as Scottish Labour leader and an MSP in order to take up a role in Andy Burnham’s government via the House of Lords. Paul Sweeney ruled himself out of the race (Jane Barlow/PA)In his endorsement of Mr Fagan, Mr Sweeney said he had “thought long and hard” about seeking nominations himself, but had ultimately decided not to stand. “I believe Scottish Labour needs to rediscover its confidence as a party of work, industry, housing, public services and community power. He said: “Highlighting the incompetence of the SNP is not an argument for why people should put their faith in Scottish Labour instead.