Labour in Scotland needs to find its campaigning zeal and do everything better, one of the party's deputy leadership candidates has said.

Kezia Dugdale said yesterday she wanted to be part of a crusading leadership team that would "reconnect" with the people of Scotland.

The Lothian MSP is running against MP Katy Clark for the post of Scottish Labour's deputy leader, while three candidates - former Scottish secretary Jim Murphy, Holyrood health spokesman Neil ­Findlay and fellow MSP Sarah Boyack - are bidding to take over as party leader.

The contest comes after Johann Lamont stood down suddenly last month, accusing Westminster colleagues of treating the party in Scotland like a "branch office".

There had been speculation Ms Dugdale would run on a joint ticket with Mr Murphy, the East Renfrewshire MP.

However, Ms Dugdale said she would not stand with another candidate, pointing out her bid had been backed by supporters of all three of the leadership candidates.

She said she would "stand for tomorrow's Scotland - a country free from poverty and injustice, with opportunity for everyone". She added: "That means good jobs and wages, decent chances at school, more college places and childcare that doesn't cost twice your rent."

Meanwhile, Ms Clark, MP for North Ayrshire and Arran, said she was standing to help the party "deliver the social and political change the people of Scotland are demanding."