THE leader of Scotland’s largest local authority Gordon Matheson has confirmed he will stand to become deputy leader of Scottish Labour.
Matheson pledged to bring a “fresh perspective” to the role as he announced his intention to seek nomination for the job.
A raft of organisational reforms agreed by the party allows councillors to stand for the deputy leadership for the first time.
Matheson, who was elected leader of Glasgow City Council in 2010, said he offered a “distinct combination of experience and change” as he threw his hat in the ring to be the victor’s deputy.
He cited achievements in Glasgow including Labour’s victory at the 2012 local government elections under his leadership and the success of the “best-ever” 2014 Commonwealth Games.
“The Scottish Labour Party needs to stop feeling sorry for itself and instead focus on the concerns of the people of Scotland,” he said.
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