SO WHO’S NEXT FOR THE TOP JOB?

ANAS SARWAR ÷MSP for Glasgow and Scottish Labour’s health spokesman

FORMERLY served as deputy leader under Johann Lamont, the 34-year-old father of two is known as a shrewd and polished operator who is highly ambitious and knows how to get what he wants. He won the Glasgow Central Westminster seat vacated by his father Mohammad Sarwar in 2010. He lost it in 2015 but 12 months later was elected to the Scottish parliament. DID YOU KNOW? His millionaire father sent him to the independent school Hutchesons’ Grammar in Glasgow and he trained as a dentist. He liked the fee-paying school so much that he sent his own son there too, sparking accusations of hypocrisy since he campaigns for ‘equality’ and ‘social justice’. LEAST LIKELY TO SAY ‘I just want to become a multi-millionaire like Dad.’

RICHARD LEONARD ÷MSP for Central Scotland on the regional list and Scottish Labour’s economy spokesman

DESPITE being far from a household name, Richard Leonard has been known among Labour circles for years.

He spent nearly two decades as an organiser for the GMB trade union, representing workers across central Scotland.

His background means he is likely to emerge as the favoured candidates of the trade unions.

He also co-edited the Red Papers, a series of essays by trade unionists, academics and politicians seeking an ‘alternative to the sterile Nationalist v Unionist debate’. DID YOU KNOW?

He wouldn’t have become a Labour candidate if it had not been for Kezia Dugdale’s decision to adopt an open selection process, which meant that sitting MSPs had to compete for places on the regional list alongside new candidates. LEAST LIKELY TO SAY

‘What have the trade unions ever done for us, anyway?’

JACKIE BAILLIE ÷MSP for Dumbarton and Scottish Labour’s economy spokesman

ONE of the few MSPs to have served her constituency ever since the Scottish parliament was created, the mother of one has been a backbencher, minister and member of the frontbench team, as well as once taking on the role as Nicola Sturgeon’s main opponent at Holyrood when Jim Murphy was leader. She is an outside bet for the leadership and is more likely to support another moderate candidate. DID YOU KNOW? She ruined Alex Salmond’s last day in the Scottish parliament. After the former First Minister gave his final speech, most opponents applauded but he was distracted by Miss Baillie chanting ‘Cheerio, cheerio’ – a point that still irks him to this day. LEAST LIKELY TO SAY ‘I agree with Alex Salmond.’