SCOTTISH Labour leader Richard Leonard has named his fourth spindoctor in 16 months.

PR veteran Lynn McMath, who currently works for homelessness charity Crisis, will become the party’s new head of communications in May.

Ms McMath is already well known and liked at Holyrood, having previously worked for Labour before switching to the public and charity sectors.

She replaces Richard Simcox, who is on a short secondment from Jeremy Corbyn’s office.

Mr Simcox replaced Charlie Mann, who worked four years for controversial former Hearts FC owner Vladimir Romanov, but who left Mr Leonard after just six months.

READ MORE: Richard Leonard in turmoil as spin doctor quits after less than six months

Mr Mann replaced the respected journalist Gina Davidson, who was already working for the party when Mr Leonard became leader in November 2017.

A Labour source said: “This is a great appointment. Lynn has a wealth of experience, is brimming with enthusiasm and ideas, and is exactly the kind of person we need to showcase and explain how our policies will end austerity and transform Scotland."

Even one of Mr Leonard’s internal critics said: “In fairness, it’s an excellent appointment.”

Ms McMath has deleted her Twitter account.