JACKIE Baillie has been elected Scottish Labour's deputy leader, winning by 2783 votes.

Councillor Matt Kerr received 7528 votes while Baillie received 10311.

Baillie said: “I am humbled by the support I have received from members and trade unionists across Scotland.  

"When this election started, nobody expected the country to be in the grip of a global pandemic. Our collective focus will remain on the challenge that COVID-19 poses to the very fabric of our society.  

"Our heartfelt thanks goes to the workers on the frontline – from doctors and nurses to social care staff, police officers and food retail workers. They are helping to care for us and keep us safe at a time of crisis and we should never forget their bravery and service.  

"We will get through this together. 

"It will be some time before politics returns to normal, but the next Scottish Parliament elections are now just over one year away.  

"The Scottish Labour Party has a huge challenge ahead of us. Working together with Richard Leonard, our new UK leader and the entire Labour movement, I am ready for that challenge. 

"I will work each and every day to repay the trust placed in me by members so that we rebuild our party, and win back the trust of the people of Scotland." 

In a statement announcing the result to members Cara Hilton, chair of the Scottish Labour Party, said: “I want to thank both Labour Party Staff and our electoral company Civica for completing the results process under such unprecedented challenges. 

"Following completion of the contest for Scottish Labour Deputy Leader I am pleased to announce that Jackie has been elected to serve as Deputy Leader of our Party. 

"I want to thank both candidates for the passion and enthusiasm of their campaigns, and it is now time for our whole party to unite behind our Leader Richard Leonard and Jackie as Deputy.   

"I look forward to working with Jackie to support Richard in building for the Scottish Parliament elections next year, but also with the immediate task of standing up for workers and people across our communities during the coronavirus crisis."

Ian Murray, Labour MP for Edinburgh South, said: “This fantastic result is a vote for change, and deserved recognition of Jackie’s formidable record as a campaigner and a winner.

“Having Jackie in the leadership team will allow the party to embark on a vital rebuilding project ahead of next year’s Holyrood elections, so that we can regain the trust of the Scottish people.”
 

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