Labour’s only Scots MP to announce deputy leadership bid

Race also under way to replace Ruth Davidson as permanent Scottish Conservatives leader.

Scotland’s only Labour MP is set to launch his bid to become deputy leader of the party.

Ian Murray, who represents Edinburgh South, is expected to announce his candidacy on Tuesday.

He will need the support of 22 parliamentary colleagues, around 30 constituency Labour parties and a trade union.

However, despite moves by the Unite union to deselect him as a candidate ahead of the general election, that is expected to be a formality.

Labour’s UK leader will be announced on April 4, with Sir Keir Starmer currently the favourite to succeed Jeremy Corbyn.

Meanwhile, the race to replace Ruth Davidson as the permanent leader of the Scottish Conservatives is also under way.

Interim leader Jackson Carlaw launched his campaign to keep the role full-time on Monday, with South of Scotland MSP Michelle Ballantyne currently trying to secure enough support to mount a challenge.

The Liberal Democrats are also looking for a new UK leader.

STV News is now on WhatsApp

Get all the latest news from around the country

Follow STV News
Follow STV News on WhatsApp

Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

WhatsApp channel QR Code