SCOTTISH Labour has announced the timetable for its deputy leadership race – paving the way for a mammoth summer campaign.
The party confirmed nominations will open on May 14, but a winner won’t be declared until three and a half months later, with ballots closing on August 30.
It comes after a lengthy leadership contest last year saw Richard Leonard triumph over rival Anas Sarwar, amid sometimes bitter infighting.
Supporters will be able to sign up and vote for £25, the reduced cost of full membership of the party.
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Following the resignation of Alex Rowley in December, shadow Scottish secretary Lesley Laird has held the position on an interim basis.
Cathy Peattie, chair of the party’s Scottish Executive Committee, confirmed a timetable and terms had now been agreed.
She said: “Our next deputy leader in Scotland will have a crucial role in supporting Richard Leonard as we seek to form a government at British and Scottish levels, to deliver an economy that works for the many, not the few.”
All elected Labour representatives in Scotland can run for the position, including MSPs, MPs, councillors and MEPs.
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