A north-east born MSP has vowed to try and “rebuild” the Scottish Labour Party as its next deputy leader.
Kezia Dugdale, who was raised in Elgin, hopes to help the movement rediscover its campaigning zeal following poor poll ratings and the resignation of leader Johann Lamont and her deputy Anas Sarwar.
Miss Dugdale, 33, a Aberdeen University law graduate who played a key role in the independence referendum campaign, said she wanted to be part of a crusading leadership team that would “reconnect” with the people of Scotland.
The Lothian MSP, who was an office manager for Labour peer Lord George Foulkes before entering Holyrood in 2011, is running against North Ayrshire and Arran MP Katy Clark for the post.
Ms Dugdale, the daughter of former Elgin High School depute rector Jeff Dugdale, said she would “stand for tomorrow’s Scotland – a country free from poverty and injustice, with opportunity for everyone”.
“That means good jobs and wages, decent chances at school, more college places and childcare that doesn’t cost twice your rent,” she added.
“I want to be part of a leadership team that makes this Labour’s crusade.
“But to do any of it, we need to win the trust of the people again.
“I am standing to help rebuild our party and support the new leader’s efforts to reconnect with the Scottish people.
“I want Labour to find its campaigning zeal again.
“We will do that when we prove we have listened, that we truly prioritise their aspirations and hopes for the future.”
Former Scottish Executive health minister Malcolm Chisholm, a Edinburgh MSP, described his colleague as “the most dedicated and committed campaigner I have ever come across”.
Jayne Baxter, a Mid Scotland and Fife MSP, said: “Kezia is a formidable campaigner with values that make me proud to be Labour.”