Labour MP Michael Shanks has endorsed Michael Marra in the contest to become the next leader of Scottish Labour, describing him as an experienced “listener and bridge-builder” who can bring the party together.
Shanks, the Labour MP for Rutherglen, announced his nomination in a post on X as the Scottish Labour leadership contest continues to gather pace.
He said:
“Delighted to nominate @michaeljmarra to be the next leader of Scottish Labour.
“Michael is experienced, thoughtful, a listener and a bridge-builder who can bring our party back together again – and he’s ready to hold the SNP to account for their decisions.
“Proud to back him.”
The endorsement is a further boost for Marra as Labour parliamentarians and party figures declare their support in the leadership race.
Marra, the MSP for North East Scotland, is competing to lead Scottish Labour at an important moment for the party as it looks to strengthen its position and present a clear alternative to the SNP.
Shanks’ endorsement focused particularly on Marra’s ability to unite different parts of the Labour movement, describing him as someone capable of bringing the party “back together again”.
The intervention also underlines the importance of challenging the SNP in the contest, with Shanks arguing that Marra has the experience and determination required to hold the Scottish Government to account.
As nominations and endorsements continue, the backing of Labour MPs and MSPs will provide an early indication of the levels of support each candidate is building within the parliamentary party.
Marra is competing against Monica Lennon and Joe Fagan for the Scottish Labour leadership.
The contest will determine who leads the party into its next phase as Scottish Labour seeks to rebuild, unite its membership and make the case for Labour across Scotland.
