Lesley Laird quits as Labour’s deputy leader after losing Fife seat

Scottish Labour’s deputy leader is stepping down after losing her seat in the general election.

Lesley Laird, who took on the role in May last year, said she would continue to serve the party in whatever way she could.

Ms Laird was defeated in the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath constituency by Neale Hanvey in last week’s ballot.

Mr Hanvey was elected despite losing the support of his party, the SNP, in the run-up to the vote.

In a statement yesterday, Ms Laird said it had been an honour to serve as deputy leader, but delivered a parting shot to those in the party who she accused of “washing our differences in public” as a means of “self-promotion”.

She also urged a period of “calm reflection and kindness” to one another.

The former shadow Scottish secretary said: “I have seen many leaders of the Labour Party come and go.

“Not all were my choice – but I always took the view that they were our elected leader and my role was to serve the Labour Party as best I could.

“Whatever the challenges ahead, I will continue to serve our wonderful Labour Party in whatever way I can, because fundamentally we are, and must always be, here for the many.”