MICHAEL Marra has been elected as the new leader of Scottish Labour.
The North East Scotland MSP defeated Joe Fagan in a ballot of party members, winning 4,266 votes to Fagan’s 2,485.
The result was announced in Edinburgh on Saturday morning, with Marra succeeding Anas Sarwar as party leader.
He takes over following Scottish Labour’s worst Holyrood election result since devolution, after the party returned just 17 MSPs in May.
In his victory speech in Edinburgh, Mr Marra said: “To be entrusted with the leadership of our Scottish Labour Party is a singular honour and a great responsibility.
“I am grateful for your trust and take on the duty of advancing our cause of a fairer, more equal Scotland with all that I can possibly give.”
He added: “It is the honour of my life to be elected leader of the Scottish Labour Party. I know what a responsibility it is.”
Outlining his vision for Scottish Labour under his leadership, Mr Marra said: “Rather than reaching straight for the political attack line, we should be convening all those who have been failed, building movements and alliances, and delivering change.
“That’s what Andy Burnham’s success in Manchester was all about. It was starting with the people and the policy, not the politics.”
Having worked for Dundee University prior to entering politics, Mr Marra was made Scottish Labour’s education spokesperson in 2021.
The former Dundee councillor then went on to become his party’s finance spokesperson some two years later.
He describes himself as being “rooted in Labour”, telling party members during the campaign how he went on trade union marches as a child with his sister and his parents.
The leadership contest was triggered after Sarwar stood down in July, despite initially vowing to remain in the role following the party’s election defeat.
During his victory speech, Marra went on to thank his “friend and predecessor” Anas Sarwar.
“He took over a party that was out on its feet – he strapped on his boots and he took us to a place where we led the charge in kicking the Tories out of Downing Street.
“Thank you Anas, for everything you have done for our party.”
