‘It’s time to change’ – Macintosh sets out stall for Labour leadership

LABOUR education spokesman Ken Macintosh has launched his campaign for the party leadership with a warning that the party must change and “harness the potential” of devolution.

His launch yesterday followed the decision of the party’s Scottish executive to back a shake-up that will loosen ties with Labour south of the Border and create a distinct Scottish leader.

Mr Macintosh becomes the third candidate to emerge as a potential successor to Iain Gray, who announced his decision to stand down after May’s election drubbing. Scottish deputy leader Johann Lamont and MP Tom Harris are also standing.

Mr Macintosh, MSP for Eastwood, said: “Devolution is the reason I got into politics.

“I believe the Scottish Parliament is there to build a stronger Scotland, but our party needs to do more to harness the potential of devolution to improve the lives of the Scottish people – this is my priority if elected leader.

“It’s time to change the Scottish Labour Party. We need to be less top-down, have a strong positive vision and we must use the young talent we now have.

“I know I can bring all sides of the party together, but this contest is not just about leading the Scottish Labour Party.

“I want to win the hearts and minds of Scots to win the next election and become the next First Minister.”

The Labour reforms are the result of a wide ranging review into the leadership of the party carried out by former Scottish secretary Jim Murphy and MSP Sarah Boyack.

They said that, while the party had delivered devolution, it had failed to follow the same principles itself.

“This is about turning the Scottish Labour Party into Scotland’s Labour Party. Today, we are completing the devolution of the Scottish Labour Party,” Mr Murphy said.

It will also see local party associations, which are at present drawn on Westminster seats, being scrapped and reformed along Holyrood’s boundaries, in a move designed to shift the party’s focus to Edinburgh and away from Westminster.

The proposals now need to win the backing of UK party leaders at this month’s conference, but are expected to be endorsed.

Mr Macintosh was first elected in 1999, having worked previously as a television producer for BBC News and on the Breakfast with Frost show.

He unveiled a range of endorsement from fellow MSPs yesterday, including local government spokesman Michael McMahon, who will be his campaign manager. Party schools spokeswoman Claire Baker is also backing him, along with newcomers Neil Bibby, Mark Griffin, Kezia Dugdale and Jenny Marra.

Mr McMahon said: “Ken is clear that creating jobs will drive our country forward and he’ll work hard to ensure that happens.

“I’ve worked with Ken since we entered the Scottish Parliament together in 1999, so I know he works tirelessly to improve the lives of the people of Scotland. Ken is the best candidate for Scottish Labour and the best candidate for Scotland.”

Mr Gray remains in place as Labour leader, but his successor is expected to elected and in place by mid-December.