New Scots Labour Leader To Be Unveiled

The new Scottish Labour Leader will be unveiled this morning.

Kezia Dugdale and Ken Macintosh are standing for the top job. A vote was triggered following former leader Jim Murphy's general election defeat. Voting closed yesterday and around 21,000 members were eligible to take part in the ballot.

Kezia Dugdale MSP said: "I want to thank the thousands of activists, party members and Scots who have taken the time to engage with this campaign.
 
"But the time for licking our wounds is long over. If I am elected tomorrow I'll hit the ground running. Because for too many people in Scotland their ability to get on in life isn't  determined by their talent, hard work and ambition, but by the circumstances they were born into.
 
"I want a Scotland that backs parents who just want the best for their kids, young couples trying to buy their first home and someone who wants to take a risk by starting a new business. If I am elected tomorrow I'll work night and day to renew the Scottish Labour Party so that we meet the hopes and aspirations of all Scots."

Ken Macintosh MSP said: "By taking part in this contest, Labour members and supporters from right across Scotland are helping shape the future of our party.  We have a shared sense of recognition that this is an opportunity to provide the fresh start and the clear sense of direction Scottish Labour needs.

The leadership contest has also allowed us to begin the fightback.  I know that members have welcomed my message that we can go out there and win new voters to our cause and many non-members have also commented about how much they want to see a strong Labour Party once again.  My appeal to be more open, more willing to work with others and to put the issues first has resonated amongst those whose support we need to win back.

I have spelled out how I intend to transform our party and I hope we can go on and transform Scotland.  I will make us the positive force for change we know we can be and to help make this the strong, decent and compassionate and caring country we all want it to be."

The deputy leadership race is being contested by Richard Baker, Cowdenbeath MSP Alex Rowley and Gordon Matheson.