Kelly backs new Scottish Labour leader
The Labour MSP James Kelly has spoken of his delight at Anas Sarwar becoming the new leader of Scottish Labour.
Mr Kelly, who formerly held the Rutherglen seat in the Scottish Parliament and is now active in the area as a list MSP, had supported Mr Sarwar during his leadership challenge.
He defeated Monica Lennon, the Central Scotland list MSP and former Reformer columnist, with 57 per cent of the vote.
Mr Kelly said: “I supported Anas throughout this leadership contest because I know not only does he have the skills and experience to lead our party, but he also has the right message and an ability to be heard right across the country.
“There is only a short time between now and May’s election, but this election is more important than ever. Following the most devastating year any of us have ever known, we need to rebuild our country.
“Under Anas’s leadership Scottish Labour is once again ready to be the party that stands up for people right across our communities, and we have the ambition to build back better.
“The Scottish Labour Party will fight these elections on the issues that matter most to people; the injustice of child poverty, the poor state of our health service, an education system that’s failed to receive the attention that it deserves, and I believe that this is our opportunity to once again become the party that people trust.”
In his victory speech Mr Sarwar promised to turn the party’s fortunes around. He stated: “I want to say directly to the people of Scotland, I know Labour has a lot of work to do to win back your trust.
“Because if we’re brutally honest, you haven’t had the Scottish Labour Party you deserve.
“With rising injustice, inequality and division, I’m sorry we haven’t been good enough. I will work day and night to change that, so we can build the country we all need.”
The Rutherglen Central and North councillor Martin Lennon had backed the Monica Lennon campaign.
On Twitter he said: “Congratulations to @ AnasSarwar becoming Scottish Labour Leader.
“This contest showed a huge amount of the best of the party, particularly [the] commitment to end child poverty.”
Ingredients:
■ 120ml lukewarm water ■ 2 sachets dried yeast (14g) ■ 540g strong white flour ■ 2tsp salt ■ 1tsp baking powder ■ 2tbsp sugar ■ 2tsp finely-chopped shallots ■ 480g cottage cheese ■ 2tbsp. finely chopped chives (or whatever herb you are using) ■ 2 medium eggs, lightly beaten ■ 1tsp sea salt to sprinkle on top
Method
1. Pour the lukewarm water into a jug and sprinkle over the yeast – set aside for 10 minutes until the yeast has dissolved. 2. Grease and flour 2 x 500g loaf tins. 3. Sift flour, salt and baking powder into a bowl and make a well in the centre. 4. In another bowl, combine the shallots, cottage cheese, chives, sugar and eggs, then pour into the yeast mixture. 5. Slowly pour the mix into the flour bowl, mixing with your hands to make a soft dough. 6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until you have a smooth and elastic mixture. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with cling film or a tea towel and leave to prove until doubled in size – should take about one hour. 7. Knock back the dough and lightly knead before dividing into two and shaping into two rectangles and placing in the loaf tins. 8. Again, cover with oiled cling film or a cloth and leave to prove for a further 40 minutes. 9. In the meantime, heat the oven to 190c degrees. 10. Bake in the oven until golden on the top and sounds hollow when you tap on the bottom. 11. Sprinkle with sea salt, leave in tins for five minutes before placing on wire racks.