SCOTTISH Labour members are not renowned for showing good judgement when picking leaders. In the last decade, Labour has chosen Iain Gray, Johann Lamont, Jim Murphy and Kezia Dugdale, none of whom inspired voters.

Yesterday - finally - Labour elected a leader who has the potential to improve the perception of his party.

In a battle between left-winger Richard Leonard and Anas Sarwar, from the right of the party, Labour members picked wisely.

A progressive manifesto based on common ownership, redistribution of wealth and building up public services may take Scottish Labour back to its radical roots.

However, Leonard has his drawbacks, particularly on the EU. Sarwar’s best argument in the campaign was calling for the UK to retain membership of the single market. Leonard was weaker on Brexit and appeared willing to defer to whatever tortured compromise is offered by Jeremy Corbyn. Leonard should put himself at the forefront of the campaign for the single market.

Meanwhile, Leonard’s big day has been overshadowed by the attention-seeking antics of Dugdale, who has decided to leave Holyrood briefly to earn a crust as a C-list celebrity on a reality TV show.

Dugdale’s decision is further evidence of her poor judgement and risks turning her into a national laughing stock.

In PR turns, therefore, Leonard's election is one step forward for the party, but Dugdale's behaviour is two steps back.

Given Scottish Labour’s tough stance on banning MSP second jobs, Dugdale appears to be increasingly contemptuous of her party. Leonard should respond in kind and suspend her from the party.