No pro-Corbyn takeover of party ‘is on the cards’

Senior figures insist party is more united now and that there is no left-wing plot to take control

Kezia Dugdale’s departure will not lead to a Corbynista takeover of the party, its acting leader said.

Alex Rowley, the Fife MSP, was declared interim head of the party yesterday but has ruled himself out of standing to be Ms Dugdale’s successor.

Her sudden exit is expected to lead to a leadership battle between candidates representing pro-Jeremy Corbyn and centrist camps.

Mr Rowley, who is a Corbyn supporter, said the party is unified, adding that speculation about a leftwing takeover is “not something I recognise”.

“I don’t think there are any wings within the party (trying to) take control of the party,” he said. “I believe the party is far more united now than it was when Kezia Dugdale took it over.

“We are far stronger now and we owe her a great debt of gratitude for all the work that she has done.”

Earlier, Unite the Union sought to bolster the pro-Corbyn hold on the party – and its ruling body – by calling for Mr Rowley’s interim leadership to be longer term. Mr Rowley, a former Fife Council leader, said he will not run because he has “no ambition to be the First Minister of Scotland”.

He said it would be “wrong to speculate” on who he would like to stand.

His decision not to run followed fellow left-winger Neil Findlay ruling himself out of the contest yesterday morning. That leaves Richard Leonard as the front-runner to be the pro-Corbyn candidate.

Anas Sarwar, the party’s health spokesman and a centrist, is the bookies’ favourite, but has yet to show his hand.

Dundee-based Labour MSP Jenny Marra, who is on maternity leave, has ruled herself out after being tipped at 12-1 to land the job.

Jackie Baillie, who has been a Labour MSP since 1999, is also being touted.

The ruling body of Scottish Labour – the executive committee – will not meet to discuss the election until September 9.

Brian Roy, general secretary of Scottish Labour, said: “Over the coming weeks the Scottish executive committee of the Labour Party will decide the process and timetable for a leadership election.”

Ms Dugdale told colleagues she was quitting the leadership for personal reasons, adding the “party needs a new leader with fresh energy”.

Pictures: PA/Barrie Marshall. Former leader Kezia Dugdale and her interim replacement, Alex Rowley, who will not stand in the leadership contest because he has “no ambition to become First Minister”.