Labour MP Richard Baker has backed Michael Marra to become the next leader of Scottish Labour, praising his “dedication and determination” and his ability to offer a hopeful vision for communities across Scotland.
Baker, the MP for Glenrothes and Mid Fife, has formally nominated Marra in the contest to succeed Anas Sarwar. His nomination is recorded on Scottish Labour’s official list of MP and MSP nominations.
Announcing his support, Baker said:
“I’m supporting Michael Marra to be leader of Scottish Labour. I’ve known Michael for many years and know he has the dedication and determination to lead our party so we offer a hopeful vision for the future of every community in Scotland.”
Marra, a North East Scotland MSP, announced his leadership bid last month and has emerged as a leading contender in the contest. He has served at Holyrood since 2021 and was Scottish Labour’s shadow finance secretary from 2023, as well as playing a central role in developing the party’s policy platform.
The leadership contest currently has three declared candidates: Marra, Glasgow MSP Monica Lennon and South Scotland MSP Joe Fagan.
Marra has already secured the parliamentary support needed to progress in the contest, attracting nominations from Labour MPs and MSPs including Zubir Ahmed, Scott Arthur, Daniel Johnson and Baker.
Setting out his pitch for the leadership, Marra has argued that Scottish Labour must reconnect with communities across the country and offer voters a clear programme for Scotland’s future. More recently, he has stressed that “workers must come first” as Scotland makes major decisions over its energy economy and industrial future.
The contest follows Sarwar’s departure from the leadership and comes at an important moment for Scottish Labour as the party considers how to rebuild following May’s Holyrood election.
Baker’s endorsement adds another parliamentary voice to Marra’s campaign as candidates compete for support among Labour members and affiliates across Scotland.
The contest will ultimately determine not only Scottish Labour’s next leader, but the political direction the party takes as it seeks to rebuild and present a renewed alternative to the SNP.
