MSPs in race to replace Dugdale as leader
TWO Scottish Labour leadership frontrunners yesterday confirmed they are plotting bids to control the party. Left-winger Richard Leonard and moderate MSP Anas Sarwar both confirmed they are considering standing for the job of replacing Kezia Dugdale as leader.
But both also insisted they have not reached a final decision on whether or not to stand.
They made the comments as Labour MSPs, MPs and councillors met for the first time since Miss Dugdale’s shock resignation on Tuesday.
It is understood that, even in private, neither MSP confirmed any intention to stand.
Glasgow MSP Mr Sarwar opposed Jeremy Corbyn in the last leadership campaign.
But he tried to position himself as the ‘unity’ candidate by insisting he will back Mr Corbyn to become the next Prime Minister whatever happens in the Scottish Labour contest.
He said: ‘I am talking to colleagues, family and friends from across the Labour family in Scotland about what is best for the future of our party.
‘What is in no doubt is that, whatever happens in the leadership contest, I will work with all my energy to ensure we return a Labour government across the UK with Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister and a Labour First Minister in Scotland.’
Yesterday, the Scottish Daily Mail revealed that Mr Sarwar is being encouraged to stand by long-serving MSP Jackie Baillie.
But hard-Left factions who support Mr Corbyn have been encouraging Mr Leonard, a former GMB official who became an MSP last year when he was elected on the Central Scotland regional list, to put his name forward.
He said: ‘Nobody announced anything at the meeting. As I said earlier, I expect to make my decision in the next few days. The Scottish Executive committee is not meeting until next Saturday.’