Michael Marra named new leader of Scottish Labour

Michael Marra has been chosen as the new Scottish Labour leader, receiving 4266 votes from party members. The contest saw 70% of members vote, following Anas Sarwar's decision to step down to join the House of Lords. Marra thanked his opponents Joe Fagan and Monica Lennon, praising their ideas for change. He faces a party that lost heavily in the recent Scottish Parliament election, with only 17 MSPs to represent.

Pollster Mark Diffley highlighted the party's irrelevance and the need for Marra to make it relevant again, develop a relationship with the prime minister, and present appealing policies. Some suggest Labour should learn from the Scottish Greens by incorporating their policies into the SNP's proposals. The new leader must also navigate the issue of a potential second independence referendum, which Andy Burnham, the current prime minister, hinted at.