Alex Rowley has become interim leader of the Scottish Labour Party, following Kezia Dugdale’s resignation.
The Executive Committee of the Scottish Labour Party will meet next weekend, Saturday 9 September 2017, to agree the timetable and process for a leadership election.
Interim Scottish Labour leader Alex Rowley said: “Under the leadership of Kezia Dugdale, the Scottish Labour Party is stronger and more united than it was when she took the job, we have a platform on which to build. On behalf of the party, I wish her well.”
General Secretary of the Scottish Labour Party Brian Roy said:
“Over the coming weeks the Scottish Executive Committee of the Labour Party will decide the process and timetable for a leadership election.”
Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray tweeted his support for Lothians MSP Ms Dugdale last night :
No one has done more than @kezdugdale to transform the @scottishlabour party. She will be missed and a very very hard act to follow.
— Ian Murray (@IanMurrayMP) August 29, 2017
Unite’s Scottish secretary Pat Rafferty said: “We thank Kezia for the work she has done to contribute to the Scottish labour movement and the party in Scotland, and wish her very well in all she does in the future.
“The party is now rebuilding in Scotland and is rightly seen as the opponent of the mindless austerity of the Conservative party.
“We urge the party to reflect upon this turn in fortunes and consolidate, not to act in undue haste on any succession plan.
“There is no need to rush to a leadership election. Under Alex Rowley’s interim leadership we are confident that the voices of Scotland’s working people will be heard loud and clear at Holyrood.
“This is not about the next four weeks. It is about the next four years. This is an opportunity to reflect upon what the Scottish Labour Party stands for. Let’s seize it and build for the future.”
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: “Kezia deserves the thanks of her party for the tireless work she put in as leader of Scottish Labour.
“She was a tough and principled political opponent and, in challenging circumstances for her party, she showed huge determination and spirit.
“These last two years will be remembered as a time when all three of Scotland’s main political parties have been led by women, and all there on merit.
“Kezia did more than most as leader of Scottish Labour to ensure that, in future, such a thing is no longer deemed remarkable, or of note.
“I wish her well for the future.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie MSP said: “Kezia Dugdale has been a good thing for Labour. Her open, friendly, and upbeat style was appealing. I enjoyed working with her on common causes and hope that will continue. I wish her well for the future.”
Ms Dugdale confirmed that she will continue as Lothians MSP, although she is ready to hand over the leadership role to someone else.
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