NEW Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard has said his election sends a "message of real change".

The left winger became the fourth person to hold the post in the last three years after defeating rival candidate Anas Sarwar.

Leonard, who only became an MSP last year, was the choice of 12,469 party members and supporters, while 9516 backed Sarwar.

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The contest was sparked after Kezia Dugdale suddenly quit the job in August.

"This leadership election has shown that a re-invigoration of our politics in Scotland is both needed and yearned for by the people," Leonard said.

"We need a vision of a better future, a vision of hope again, so that 20 years on since the devolution referendum we need to restate our Scottish Labour vision for the economic, social and environmental transformation we want to deliver for the people of Scotland."

Leonard spoke out as he addressed party activists at Glasgow Science Centre, where the result of the leadership contest was announced.

He immediately pledged "zero tolerance" of sexism, misogyny and sexual harassment.

"We need to change the political culture," Leonard declared, as he vowed to set up independent route for complaints of this nature.

He stressed that under his leadership the party would be "distinctively Labour, confidently Labour".

Leonard said when he joined the party 35 years ago as a student, Labour was the "only party of hope".

He said: "To be elected leader of the Scottish Labour Party, to lead our party as a movement for real change, as a movement for democracy and yes as a movement for socialism ... is a source of immense pride but it is also deeply humbling."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn congratulated Leonard on being elected, and Sarwar on his energetic campaign.

He said: "After being written off time and again, the general election showed that our party is capturing the mood both in Scotland and across the rest of the UK.

"There is much to do to continue our party's revival in Scotland and many who still need to be persuaded to put their trust in the Labour Party.

"But Richard's campaign offered a challenge to the rigged system that has benefited a wealthy elite and showed how he will lead Scottish Labour to transform society.

"This can be a turning point in Scottish politics and our party will now come together, united to challenge Tory and SNP austerity that has held Scotland back.

"I am confident that under Richard's leadership, Labour will once again be a real force for change in Scotland.

"I look forward to campaigning with him in Scotland next week as we build a movement that will help our party win in Holyrood and Westminster, to transform our country for the many not the few."

John Hannett, general secretary of the shopworkers union Usdaw, said: "Richard Leonard is a committed trade unionist and understands the real change that Scotland needs, so we are delighted that he won the support and confidence of Labour's members and affiliated members in Scotland.

"The SNP government are failing to deliver social justice, tackle poverty and address the crisis in health and education, our members need Labour in power to deliver change.

"I know that Richard does not underestimate the challenge ahead for Labour, and Usdaw will be working with him to help improve Scottish workers' lives."

SNP Finance Secretary Derek Mackay congratulated Leonard on his victory.

He said: “The SNP will work with any party to stand up to the Tories — and we hope Mr Leonard will begin by calling on the UK Government to end damaging Tory austerity in this week’s budget, halt the botched roll-out of Universal Credit, and protect Scottish jobs and our place in the Single Market.

“While Richard Leonard might talk a left-wing game, he’s an enthusiastic supporter of housing the UK’s nuclear arsenal just a few miles from Scotland’s biggest city — and he now needs to explain his position on Brexit and whether he supports the Tories’ plans to rip Scotland out of the single market.

“In recent years, few revolving doors in Scotland have revolved as much as that of the Scottish Labour leader’s office.

“Mr Leonard has, perhaps, an impossible job on his hands in trying to weld together the warring factions of a deeply damaged and divided party – not least amongst his many parliamentary colleagues who did not support him."