Murray backs Macintosh after nominating leadership rival

EDINBURGH South MP Ian Murray today announced he was backing Ken Macintosh for the Scottish Labour leadership, despite nominating rival Tom Harris for the post.

Mr Murray has written to party members, describing Mr Macintosh as “the change we need” and “a voice for Scotland’s future”.

He said he had nominated Mr Harris because he wanted party members to have as wide and strong a field as possible from which to choose.

He said: “Ken has won the backing of many up and coming parliamentarians of the new intake. Now is the time for us to start looking and sounding like the positive, progressive party that we are. We need a fresh start and Ken Macintosh is a new voice, one that people will trust.”

Voting in the three-way contest between Mr Macintosh, Mr Harris and current deputy Johann Lamont ends next Wednesday with the result due the following weekend.