Scots chief is England fan

SCOTTISH Labour’s new leader is an England fan who supports the Three Lions – even against the Scots.

Richard Leonard also admits cheering on the England rugby team against the Auld Enemy in a move certain to wind up the Tartan Army.

The 55-year-old was born in northern England but has spent most of his adult life north of the border.

He made the revelation to BBC Radio 5 Live host Adrian Chiles, saying: “Well, if it’s England versus Scotland, I do support England.

“Every other game I will support either Scotland or England.”

The former trade unionist took the top job in Scottish Labour following the ® resignation of I’m A Celebrity contestant and MSP Kezia Dugdale.

Defending his allegiances, Mr Leonard added: “I’m not going to try and make up something which would be inaccurate.

“That’s the honest truth and my wife, who is Scottish, would bear that out. We watch football together.”

Edinburgh-born Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson, an avid Scotland fan, backed her rival, tweeting: “Fair play to him for not ducking this one.”

Asked who she supported, she said: “Scotland, because I’m Scottish.”

Mr Leonard has also been branded a “champagne socialist” after it emerged he went to private school.