Edinburgh East and Musselburgh MP Chris Murray has joined senior Edinburgh and Lothians parliamentarians in endorsing Michael Marra MSP to become the next leader of Scottish Labour, as voting opens across the party membership.
In an open letter to local party members, a coalition of four MPs and two MSPs set out their backing for Marra, pointing to his record on anti-poverty campaigning, economic strategy and local government. Marra is on the member ballot alongside Joe Fagan after nominations closed.
Sharing the joint letter as ballots opened, Murray said:
“As ballots open for Scottish Labour leader I’ve written to local members alongside my Edinburgh MP and MSP colleagues, about why we’re backing the excellent Michael Marra, who will be a brilliant leader of our great party.”
A united front across Edinburgh and the Lothians
The joint declaration brings together Ian Murray MP, Tracy Gilbert MP, Scott Arthur MP, Chris Murray MP, Daniel Johnson MSP and Katherine Sangster MSP.
In their letter, the representatives argued that the contest is a turning point for the party to reconnect with voters and set out a positive economic and social vision:
“For us, this leadership election is about more than choosing a new leader. It is a moment to reflect honestly on what Scottish Labour should stand for, how we reconnect with people across Scotland, and what kind of party we want to build for the years ahead.
“We know from our own experience of representing communities across Edinburgh and the Lothians that people want a Scottish Labour Party that is focused not simply on opposing the SNP or Reform, but on setting out a positive vision for a fairer Scotland.”
Rooted in community action and economic policy
The letter highlights Marra’s work before Holyrood managing international anti-poverty programmes for Oxfam, founding a child poverty charity in Dundee, and lecturing in economics at Glasgow and Dundee Universities:
“Michael’s commitment to these issues is grounded in experience outside politics. Before entering Parliament, he ran anti-poverty programmes for Oxfam, founded a charity focused on tackling child poverty in Dundee, worked as an economist and lecturer at Glasgow and Dundee Universities, and served as a councillor in Lochee.
“That combination of political experience and practical work in communities has shaped the kind of politician he is.”
The signatories urged members to back Marra to deliver a renewed Scottish Labour Party focused on child poverty reduction, community empowerment, local council services and sustainable industrial growth.
