Kezia Dugdale: I’m in charge of Labour in Scotland

Kezia Dugdale hit the ground running with a campaigning outing to the Meadows in Edinburgh yesterday. Picture: Toby Williams

Kezia Dugdale voiced fears that the independence question could dominate future elections - but warned Nicola Sturgeon that the SNP faces tough questions on issues like education ahead of next year’s Holyrood election.

Ms Dugdale will today visit a nursery in Paisley and will insist that improving the life chances of Scottish youngsters is the key “test” for all politicians in Scotland.

The 33-year-old became the youngest ever leader of the party in Scotland, defeating Eastwood MSP Ken Macintosh for the vacant leadership on Saturday.

Going to the Edinburgh Festival? Find out which shows to see on our dedicated site >>

Ms Dugdale played down claims of any split with her new deputy Alex Rowley who had called for a more autonomous Labour party in Scotland.

“You can be autonomous and still be part of the UK-wide movement,” Ms Dugdale said as she campaigned in Edinburgh yesterday.

“We’re in exactly the same place when it comes to that. Decisions about where we stand in Scotland will be made here in Scotland by us. We can do that and still be part of the UK-wide movement.”

The Lothians MSP has pledged to focus her attention on winning next year’s Holyrood election with all the polls indicating the SNP is currently on course for another landslide victory. She aims to turn the focus on the SNP’s domestic record, particularly education, as Nicola Sturgeon prepares to make a major speech on the issue this week.

Ms Dugdale added: “What I fear is that all our elections in Scotland in future will be defined by how you voted in the referendum.

“So it’s more about whether you are Yes or No rather than where you stand on a political spectrum – whether you’re blue red, yellow, green or anything else.

“It’s my job to appeal to as broad a range of voters as I possibly can. That’s what I intend to do and that’s got to be about being committed to radical change in Scotland and who it works for.”

During her visit to a Paisley nursery today she will make clear her commitment to ensuring every child gets the best chance in life, no matter their background.

“The test for everybody in Scottish politics is whether or not we secure a better future for the next generation,” she said.

“Nothing is more important than giving young people in Scotland the chance of a better life, no matter their background.

“Everybody in Scottish politics must be judged by what we do with the powers we have to improve the lives of working class children.”