Scottish Labour leadership vote opens

The Scottish Labour leadership vote opens today, with the party using a one-member one-vote system to choose between Kezia Dugdale and Ken Macintosh as party leader.

MSPs Alex Rowley and Richard Baker, as well as Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson, are running for the deputy leadership role.

Dugdale, who claimed to have the backing of the “overwhelming majority” of local parties, trade unions and elected representative, described the choice as between “business as usual” or building support in a new generation of activists.

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She said: “Labour's route to power starts by making the most of the talent of our supporters, and by reaching out to all Scots who share our desire to empower communities and transform lives.

“We need to take the opportunity that this race is affording us to look beyond our benches at Holyrood and our party's membership, to the communities and organisations that share our values of a fairer and more equal Scotland.

“It's clear we need start promoting and supporting a new generation of Scots who want to see an end to injustice, and to give them the space and support needed to call the Scottish Labour Party home.”

Meanwhile Ken Macintosh said his message was aimed at the grassroots of the party.

He said: “From speaking to members, it is clear that the vast majority are still undecided in this contest.

He added: “My whole appeal is to the members rather than to those who run the Labour Party.

“I am offering something different. I want to take our party in a new direction, more collaborative, more positive and more forward looking.

“Under my leadership, Scottish Labour will be driven by our positive vision for Scotland’s future and not by our opposition to the SNP.

“For the next three and a half weeks, the focus will be on making sure members know the future of the party lies in their hands, that it is their decision that counts. I will be urging them to choose a new path.”