Jamieson launches leadership bid with call for 'Scottish voice'

Published on Tuesday 29 July 2008 10:40

FORMER justice minister Cathy Jamieson today launched her bid for the Scottish Labour leadership, arguing the party needed a "distinctive Scottish voice"

And she said the party had to get its message across to people who had disconnected from Labour.

She said: "If you listen to people on the doorstep in Glasgow East and elsewhere perhaps they are not entirely clear what Labour stands for in the 21st century."

Ms Jamieson is one of three frontrunners in the race to succeed Wendy Alexander, who quit earlier this month. Former health minister Andy Kerr and finance spokesman and East Lothian MSP Iain Gray are also bidding for the post.

Ms Jamieson said: "I'm putting myself forward because, although it's a difficult job, I believe it's one I have the experience and passion for Labour values and the skills to take head on.

"I want to see Scottish Labour having a distinctive Scottish voice. Sometimes we will take a different approach to that in other parts of the UK. I think that's perfectly acceptable."

Mr Kerr yesterday argued for the post of Scottish leader – which is officially only leader of the MSP group at Holyrood – to be given greater power.

But Ms Jamieson said a distinctive Scottish voice was "not about a Labour leader in Scotland having control' but more about 'building consensus' in the Labour movement.

She said: "I'm very proud to be Scottish, I'm passionate about Labour values and I'm positive about Scotland's future."

She said as leader she would work with local government, trades unions and wider society to ensure Scottish Labour articulated Scotland's concerns, stood up for Scotland's aspirations and fought for a fair deal for every citizen.