Kezia Dugdale bids for deputy leadership

Kezia Dugdale MSP, who has announced she is to stand for the position of deputy leader of the Scottish labour perty. Pic: Ian Rutherford

The Lothians MSP had been seen as a potential candidate for party leader but last week ruled herself out of replacing Johann Lamont.

She has received the backing of 11 MSPs and MPs so far, including Holyrood members Jackie Baillie, James Kelly and Ken Macintosh and Westminster politicians Willie Bain and Pamela Nash. Many of the group who nominated Ms Dugdale are also backing Jim Murphy for the leadership.

Ms Dugdale wrote on Twitter today that she was “delighted” and will outline her position later this week.

North Ayrshire MP Katy Clark was the first candidate to declare in deputy leadership race when she announced her intention yesterday.

She has already received the backing of rail union TSSA, which is also backing Neil Findlay in the leadership race.

Ms Clark, who has been an MP since 2005, said “it can’t be business as usual” and that she wants to make issues around jobs, homes and public services central to her campaign.

‘’The vast majority of people want a secure job, a decent home and access to good quality public services,” Ms Clark said.

“This is prevented for too many by wealth being held in the hands of a minority.

‘’It is unacceptable in the 21st century that people have to queue at a food bank to feed their children. These are the issues I will be addressing throughout the campaign.”

Ms Dugdale was elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2011 and has been Scottish Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary for over a year.

She wrote on Twitter today: “Delighted to have secured enough nominations for deputy leader to be on ballot - will be saying much more tomorrow.”