Michael Marra introduced as new Scottish Labour chief
The North East Scotland MSP called his election a ‘singular honour’, and now faces the daunting task of turning the party around after Scottish Labour lost its fifth consecutive Holyrood election
Michael Marra celebrates after being named as the new Scottish Labour leader(Image: Lesley Martin/PA Wire)
Michael Marra has been elected leader of the Scottish Labour Party, replacing Anas Sarwar who resigned to join Andy Burnham ’s Government.
Mr Marra defeated his leadership rival Joe Fagan by 4,266 votes to 2,485, and takes charge after the party suffered its worst result in the history of devolution in May’s Scottish Parliament elections – returning just 17 MSPs.
The North East Scotland MSP called his election a “singular honour”, and now faces the daunting task of turning the party around after Scottish Labour lost its fifth consecutive Holyrood election.
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.
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.”
While the now Lord Sarwar had originally vowed to stay on after the Holyrood election, he instead quit the Scottish Parliament in July to join the House of Lords, becoming a trade minister in new Mr Burnham’s Government.
That appointment came after the then Scottish Labour leader became the first senior figure in the party to publicly call for Keir Starmer to resign.
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.
