Labour leadership: Back Neil Findlay, Unite urges

Unite Scottish secretary Pat Rafferty is backing Neil Findlay for the Scottish Labour leadership. Picture: TSPL

Unite said the recommendation came after detailed consultation with members’ representatives on its Scotland political committee.

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Neil Findlay: Unite backing. Picture: PA

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Mr Findlay is one of three candidates seeking to take over the job from Johann Lamont, who stood down suddenly last month.

As she announced her decision, Ms Lamont, who had been leader since 2011, hit out at Labour colleagues in Westminster, accusing them of treating Scotland like a “branch office”.

Former Scottish secretary Jim Murphy is widely regarded as the favourite to succeed her, although he does not currently have a seat at Holyrood.

Mr Findlay has already won the support of a number of trade unions including Unison, while fellow MSP and former Scottish minister Sarah Boyack has also put herself forward for the job.

Nominations for the post closed yesterday with the new leader due to be announced on December 13. The contest will be decided by a vote involving Labour parliamentarians in Scotland, members of the party north of the border and affiliated trade unions and societies.

Pat Rafferty, Unite leader in Scotland, announced his union’s support for Mr Findlay, saying: “After consultation with our members’ representatives, the clear outcome is that Unite’s recommendation to our members is to back Neil Findlay MSP for leader of the Labour Party in Scotland.

“Neil’s impressive record of working for working people and their communities at Holyrood and in his role as shadow health minister won the day.

“In Neil we are confident that our members will find a leader who not only understands their concerns but will fight doggedly on their behalf. They can be assured that Neil is on their side.

“Our committee concluded that the positive programme for social justice on which Neil stands not only makes him the outstanding candidate, but also offers the best hope for the renewal of the Labour Party with the communities of Scotland.

“Furthermore, our members have told us very clearly that they want an MSP in the role of Labour leader, at the Scottish Parliament where the decisions affecting their lives are being taken.

“Ahead of the ballot, we will ensure Unite members are supported in their own decision-making, and can be assured that their union will be seeking opportunities for them to question candidates at hustings meetings.

“I would urge all three candidates to attend the union hustings. These are an opportunity to connect with not just the people of our 165,000-strong union, but the hundreds of thousands of union members across Scotland.”

A poll of Unite members earlier this week revealed that, by around four to one, Unite members said they wanted an MSP for the job.

• The Scotsman cartoon: Neil Findlay backing

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