Murray makes it to final ballot in deputy race
● Labour must change to stay in power says Scottish MP
Scotland’s only Labour MP has made it through to the final ballot in the party’s deputy leadership race after securing enough support from local constituency groups.
Ian Murray will contest the vote of Labour members and registered supporters, having been nominated by more than 33 constituency parties – reaching the threshold of 5 per cent of grassroots nominations.
Mr Murray has also been endorsed by the Labour Campaign for Europe and the Scottish Fabian Society, which are both registered affiliate groups. He said he was “extremely grateful” to local members for backing his campaign.
“If members are happy to remain in opposition, they should vote for one of the other candidates who all stand for continuity,” Mr Murray said.
“But to return to power, Labour must change and become a credible alternative government. That starts by listening to voters in seats we lost, which is what I have been doing during this campaign.”
The Edinburgh South MP added: “Having a Scot at the top of the party will send that important signal, as the path to a Labour government will always run through Scotland.”
Meanwhile, Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Longbailey has pledged to end the 24/7 work culture by allowing employees to refuse any calls or emails outside of office hours.
The shadow business secretary said workers should have the freedom to switch off phones so they aren’t anxious about work during leisure time. In France, a legal “right to disconnect” obliges organisations with more than 50 workers to set out a policy that allows staff to ignore their mobiles.
Ms Long-bailey has also hit out at the scrutiny faced by women politicians over their appearance, saying it was “not acceptable” after colleague Tracy Brabin was criticised for appearing in the House of Commons wearing an off-theshoulder dress.
Labour members and registered supporters will receive postal ballots on 21 February, with the result of both the leadership and deputy leadership contests announced on 4 April.