Widespread support boosts Gray's ranking as favourite to lead Labour

Published on Wednesday 13 August 2008 22:08

IAIN Gray entrenched his position as the favourite to replace Wendy Alexander as Scottish Labour leader yesterday, when it emerged he had secured the support of more unions, elected members and constituency parties than his rivals.

When nominations closed yesterday, Mr Gray had been publicly endorsed by 27 MPs, MSPs and MEPs, seven trade unions – including the huge Unite union – and 15 constituency parties across Scotland.

His nearest challenger, Cathy Jamieson, secured the backing of 17 MPs and MSPs, seven unions – including the influential Unison union – and nine constituency associations.

Andy Kerr, who is now the outsider for the leadership, has the backing of 13 MSPs and MPs, no unions – just one affiliate in the Scottish Labour students – and 13 constituency parties.

Mr Gray's ability to secure strong support in all three areas – elected members, unions and constituency parties – has now put him in a strong position to emerge as leader when the votes are counted next month.

The former enterprise minister has done particularly well to gain the support of a number of trade unions expected to back Ms Jamieson.

He also has managed to win the backing of a number of constituency parties from different areas of the country, which will help when the ballots are sent out.

Mr Gray said: "I'm very happy with the support I've received so far. It's been particularly pleasing to gather nominations from across all parts of the country and across all sections of the party.

"However, it's obviously a very tight race and, in the end, it will be votes and not nominations that win this election.

"I will continue to work very hard for every vote from now until the last possible moment of the campaign, outlining my vision of how Labour gets back to talking about the issues that matter to the Scottish people.

"I can offer a new voice and a fresh start for Scottish Labour, and I'm delighted with the response I have received to that message from elected politicians, trade unions and other affiliates and party members across the country."

Mr Kerr, meanwhile, stressed the backing he had received from councillors around the country. The former health minister wants the new Scottish Labour leader to have more autonomy from Westminster and be leader of the whole party in Scotland, not just the parliamentary party.