Neil Findlay confirms Scottish Labour leader bid

Neil Findlay followed Sarah Boyack in declaring his intention to stand for Scottish Labour leader. Picture: PA

Following widespread speculation that he would stand, Mr Findlay confirmed that he is to run against Sarah Boyack for the party leadership.

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Announcing his intention to go for the position, Mr Findlay said, “I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support from people from within the Labour party and across the wider Labour movement all urging me to stand.

“It is no secret that I wanted Gordon Brown to run but since Gordon has ruled himself out I now believe we need to have a wide ranging debate about the way forward for the Labour party but more importantly the country.

“I want to bring the Labour party together to work for progressive change and create a fairer, more equal and prosperous Scotland.

“If elected Labour leader I will put the issue of social justice at heart of everything we do – this is the historic mission of the Scottish Labour party but it also has to be about what we deliver for the Scottish people in this post referendum period.”

Mr Findlay and Ms Boyack are expected to be joined by Eastwood MP Jim Murphy in the race for the leadership.

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