Decision time on Eastwood man Ken’s leadership bid

In a final push to gain the party’s top Scottish seat, Mr Macintosh issued a message to party members calling it ‘time to decide’ before the vote closes on Friday.

He said: “If you have yet to cast your vote in the Scottish leadership contest, Friday is decision time.

“I have outlined how we re-establish a clear Labour identity with fresh thinking on a distinct anti-austerity economic policy, building more homes and promoting vocational education.

“I have spoken out about the changes we need to make with my stance on the centrally imposed Council Tax freeze, on the named person legislation and on whether we should have voted against the Welfare Reform Bill.

“Above all, I want our actions to better reflect our values, our compassion and our integrity, through abolishing the Care Tax, tackling loneliness and even on whether or not we should comment about Jeremy Corbyn.

“I recognise that I am the challenger candidate but I want to re-claim our Party on behalf of the members.

“I want to give you and the people of Scotland hope. I want us to win again.”

Speaking to The Extra this week, the Eastwood representative commented that he wanted to see “the same brand of politics we practise here in East Renfrewshire to the national stage.

“That means a less partisan and less aggressive approach, a willingness to work with others and always putting constituents first.”

Busby man Ken Macintosh — who has held the Eastwood seat at the Scottish Parliament since 1999 — faces Kezia Dugdale MSP in the Scottish leadership contest.

The new leader will be announced on Saturday (August 15).