Scottish Labour rule out plan for two MSPs to job share deputy leadership role

Party bosses have ruled out a bid by two senior Scottish Labour MSPs to become deputy leaders on a job-share basis.

Jackie Baillie and Pauline McNeill announced they were seeking support to act as leader Richard Leonard’s number two

However, they were quickly informed that such an arrangement is not within the rules.

Labour last month suffered its worst general election result in Scotland since 1910 after coming fourth.

The party lost six of its seven MPs, including deputy leader Lesley Laird, a loss that created a vacancy.

Baillie, who has represented Dumbarton at Holyrood since 1999, and Glasgow List MSP Pauline McNeill revealed on Wednesday afternoon that they planned to run jointly.

Baillie said: “Pauline and I are declaring that we are going to be joint candidates for the deputy leadership. We are interested in doing this as a job share.”

McNeill also endorsed the proposal: “It is unusual but perfectly in tune with modern day parties. It can work in these strange times.”

But within minutes of the official declaration, Scottish Labour made it known that the pact could not happen.

Baillie is now running on her own. She said: “I am disappointed that my plans to unite with my friend and colleague, Pauline McNeill, have been rejected but I look forward to working with her to rebuild our beloved party regardless of whether we share a candidacy or not.

“Voters lost trust in our leadership and were confused by our manifesto.

"The inconsistent message that came from senior figures within the Labour Party on the two biggest issues facing Scottish voters – and Brexit – meant that the electorate did not know what the party stood for and instead went elsewhere.”

She added: “My aim is to unite the party and bring members together from across the political spectrum, in order to rebuild the party for the future.”

McNeill is considering whether to stand and will make a decision in the next few days.

Previous reforms mean the party leader and deputy automatically get the top spot on a regional list for the Holyrood election.

Dundee Labour councillor Michael Marra is also running for the deputy leader role.

A Scottish Labour spokesperson said: “Scottish Labour’s procedures clearly state that individual Scottish Labour councillors, MSPs and MPs will each be able to nominate themselves or one Scottish Labour councillor, MSP or MP for the position of deputy leader.”