Richard Leonard elected new leader of Scottish Labour
Last updated 18th Nov 2017
New Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard has said his election sends a `message of real change'.
The left winger became the fourth person to hold the post in the last three years after defeating rival candidate Anas Sarwar.
Mr Leonard, who only became an MSP last year, was the choice of 12,469 party members and supporters, while 9,516 backed Mr Sarwar.
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard: 'With this new movement for real change, energised with this new generation helping to lead it.
'But founded on our old and enduring idealism too.
'That is the unity we can rally around, not simply a call for unity but around a renewed unity of purpose.
'And our shared purpose is clear, to build again, to win again.
'So that our purpose today is not just elected a leader.
'My aim is to be the next Labour First Minister of Scotland.'
Unite Scotland said: 'We would like to congratulate Richard Leonard on becoming the new Leader of the Labour Party in Scotland.
'We believe that his victory is a victory for a Labour Party in Scotland marching resolutely behind the banner of ‘For the Many Not the Few’. 'We supported Richard Leonard in the contest because we believe that there was a radical socialist edge to the policies he stands for.
'We must offer our commiserations to Anas Sarwar who has great talents to offer Labour in Scotland.
'Unity behind the new leader and his new team is now our watchword.
'It’s time to win back those lost to Labour’s cause in recent years to build for a socialist Labour government in Westminster.
'Under Richard Leonard’s leadership in Scotland Labour will play its part in securing that victory.
'We agree wholeheartedly with what Richard said in his victory speech - ‘We are one Party, one movement, and we all stand together”.