Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell has congratulated Michael Marra on his election as Scottish Labour leader and called for the party to unite behind him as it prepares for the political battles ahead.
Marra was elected on Saturday after defeating Joe Fagan in the leadership contest, securing nearly two-thirds of the vote. He succeeds Anas Sarwar, who resigned earlier this summer.
Powell, who is also Education Secretary, said:
"Congratulations to Michael Marra on being elected leader of Scottish Labour. Commiserations to Joe Fagan too."
She added:
"I look forward to working together to build a strong and united party in Scotland, ready to offer new hope and take on the campaigns ahead."
Powell has served as Labour's deputy leader since 2025 and is a senior figure in Andy Burnham's Government.
Marra wins clear mandate
Scottish Labour's official timetable saw ballots open on 28 August and close on 17 September, with the result announced on 19 September.
Marra entered the race with substantial support from Labour MPs and MSPs, alongside nominations from ASLEF, Community, the NUM, Scottish Labour Students, Scottish Young Labour and the Labour Movement for Europe. Fagan secured backing from GMB, UNISON Labour Link and USDAW, as well as a number of constituency parties.
Rebuilding Scottish Labour
Marra takes over after a difficult Holyrood election in which Scottish Labour returned 17 MSPs, leaving the party facing a significant rebuilding task.
In his victory remarks, he acknowledged that Labour had not offered voters a clear enough alternative and said the party needed to reconnect with communities across Scotland.
Powell's intervention underlines the UK Labour leadership's desire to work closely with Marra while giving Scottish Labour space to rebuild its own political identity.
Focus now turns to unity
The leadership contest exposed differences over how Scottish Labour should respond to electoral setbacks, its relationship with the UK Government and its future political direction.
Powell's message was therefore deliberately focused on unity and the next stage.
With the leadership contest now concluded, Labour figures are seeking to draw a line under the internal competition and focus on rebuilding the party's support across Scotland under Marra's leadership.
