Why I'm standing

Scottish Labour is experiencing our worst crisis. The choice is stark: either continue with the existing party machine that lost us seats and talented MSPs, or choose a leader with the vision, courage and empathy to make us electable.

I am standing because grassroots members and partners across our movement know that I refuse to make myself small in tough times; I stand tall and lead with integrity. We owe it to members and Scotland to stop sleepwalking and lead with vision, values and committed action. I am the best candidate, and I am willing to serve. I know what I want to achieve as our leader because I’ve listened, learned and prepared.

A reset for Scottish Labour

Scottish Labour was known as the party of devolution – we delivered the Scottish parliament. Yet the ambitions of devolution have been eroded. The SNP has centralised decision-making and disempowered local government. We must be the party of devolution again by re-empowering local councils and fighting the “pay-it-forward” austerity the SNP has enabled for years. Ahead of 2027, Scottish Labour must be the loudest voice demanding the decentralisation of power and the revitalisation of our local high streets.

The UK government and UK Labour must respect Scotland. I will request a new working relationship with more autonomy for Scottish Labour.

My vision for Scotland is rooted in democratic socialism: treating housing as a human right through a new generation of council housebuilding; creating a national care service that values both those who give care and those who receive it; expanding community wealth building; and ensuring the transition to green energy and our reindustrialisation creates secure, unionised jobs.

Winning together

I will always stand with workers seeking fair pay and decent conditions. I will defend women’s rights and LGBTQ rights. And I will challenge those who seek to divide our communities. The path forward requires hope, ambition, internal democracy, and collectivism.

We have made the right start with prime minister Andy Burnham’s commitment to further devolution. But how can we expect to get the next chapter of devolution right for Scotland if we don’t devolve decision-making within our own party? I will ensure policy and strategy is developed alongside our members and councillors. We cannot criticise the SNP for centralising power only to repeat the exact same mistakes.

Our members deserve a leader who is not afraid to speak up when it is hard. A leader who will build a bigger tent where all the Labour family can thrive.