Almost three-quarters of Scottish Labour’s parliamentarians have backed Kezia Dugdale to be their next leader as nominations for the post officially open.
Ms Dugdale, who has submitted her resignation as deputy leader, now has the support of 27 MSPs as well as Labour’s only Scottish MP Ian Murray and the party’s two MEPs David Martin and Catherine Stihler.
She faces competition from Eastwood MSP Ken Macintosh for the post vacated by Jim Murphy after the party’s disastrous general election result in Scotland.
The latest group of MSPs to throw their weight behind Ms Dugdale include party finance spokeswoman Jackie Baillie, culture spokeswoman Claire Baker, chief whip Neil Bibby and parliamentary business manager James Kelly.
Ms Dugdale said: “It’s an honour to have secured the support of 30 of Scottish Labour’s 41 parliamentarians on the day nominations open.
“We know politics in Scotland has changed fundamentally and the Scottish Labour Party have only one chance to get it right.
“But this leadership election isn’t just about transforming Scottish Labour, it is about stepping up and regaining the trust of the people of Scotland.
“My campaign will be reaching out to people whose support Labour has lost and those who’ve never voted for us before – because our values are as relevant today as they have ever been.
“Scottish Labour has been the insurgent force before, pushing back against the political establishment and winning great victories and profound social change.
“To win, we must adapt to new challenges and opportunities, and new barriers, to progress. As Scottish Labour leader, that’s what I would work for every single day.”
Mr Bibby and Ms Baker are to co-chair Ms Dugdale’s campaign for the leadership, to be officially launched this Saturday.
“The Scottish Labour Party needs a leader who can win back the trust of the people of Scotland,” Ms Baker said.
“We need to look to a new generation and have a single focus – securing a more equal and socially just Scotland.
“Kezia works day in and day out to achieve this, and she is without doubt the person for the job.”
Mr Bibby added: “It’s without question that Kezia is the future of Scottish Labour, with the skills to unite our party and make sure we’re ready for the challenges ahead.”
Nominations for the election of a new leader and deputy leader will close on Friday June 19, with the results announced on Saturday August 15.