Scottish Labour Leader Richard Leonard today reshuffled his Shadow Cabinet, sacking Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie, in show of strength and bringing greater coherence to his team

A senior Labour source told the Red Robin, "this is a show of strength from Richard to remove those that have been undermining him". For months there has been a parallel briefing operation against the Labour leadership in the Scottish press. It is understood that Richard Leonard wanted to move loyalists into key positions to strengthen his leadership. Monica Lennon has been appointed Health Spokesperson to replace Anas and key Leonard loyalist Neil Findlay has been appointed Business Manager.

Scottish Executive Committee Member Stephen Low told the Red Robin, "We've rightly moved on from being a party that advocated PFI and war - and we should have a front bench that reflects that. Richard is to be commended on his efforts at putting together a team who can credibly argue for our new focus on tackling inequality and building public ownership."

Anas Sarwar said on Twitter:

I’m deeply disappointed to no longer be Scottish Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health. My full statement below: pic.twitter.com/GAomhFHkfC — Anas Sarwar (@AnasSarwar) October 4, 2018

Jackie Baillie said, “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve and will continue to be a strong advocate for my constituents - and Labour values. I wish Richard Leonard well for the future

The full list is here:

Richard Leonard, Leader,also leading on the economy brief

Lesley Laird, Deputy Leader and Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland

Claire Baker, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs

Claudia Beamish, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform

Neil Findlay, Business Manager, Party Liaison, Constitutional Relations

Rhoda Grant, Shadow Cabinet secretary for Rural Economy

Iain Gray, Shadow Cabinet secretary for Education and Skills

Daniel Johnson, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice

James Kelly, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance

Monica Lennon, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport

Pauline McNeil, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Equalities, Housing and Social Security

Elaine Smith, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Eradication of Poverty and Inequality

Colin Smyth, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Connectivity and Transport

Alex Rowley, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government