MSP backs Murphy’s bid MP has ‘charisma to attract voters’
James Kelly MSP is backing Jim Murphy’s bid to be leader of the Scottish Labour Party.
The Rutherglen MSP will even take on the role of cochair for Murphy’s campaign, alongside Jenny Marra MSP.
After discussions with Mr Murphy last week, he agreed to back him and help run his campaign. Mr Kelly said the MP for East Renfrewshire had the “charisma to attract voters.”
He added: “I made clear last week that the Labour Party needs a leader who will have authority, a clear vision and an idea of where the party is going.
“My view is that Jim Murphy is the stand out candidate. That’s why I have nominated him and agreed to back his campaign as co-chair.”
Mr Kelly also confirmed this week he’d nominated Kezia Dugdale MSP for the deputy leader position.
Nominations for the leadership of the Scottish ppartyy closed yyesterdayy ( Tuesday). Mr Murphy, who resigned as Shadow S ecretar y of State for International Development on Sunday, is up against Neil Findlay MSP and Sarah Boyack MSP.
The trio will conduct a five week campaign, with the ballot opening on November 17, before a leader is announced on December 13. The voting process is in the form of a complex electoral college rather than a ‘one-member, one-vote’ system.
Mr Murphy has gained 27 nominations from MSPs and MPs, compared with 10 each for Ms Boyack and Mr Findlay’s, but he has not won the support of the trade unions.As a former Secretary of State for Scotland and a figurehead of ‘New Labour’, some commentators say Mr Murphy may be too closely linked with Westminster to revive Labour’s fortunes.
But Mr Kelly said: “I recognise this is a crucial time in Scottish politics in the aftermath of the referendum and it’s important the Labour Party elect a leader that can gain the trust and support of the Scottish people.
“I am supporting Jim Murphy because he is the candidate that can make the positive case for the Labour Party at this time.”