FORMER MSP Drew Smith has been made Scottish Labour's acting General Secretary.

The current holder of the post, Michael Sharpe, left the party reeling when he handed his notice in earlier this week. 

With just five months until the Holyrood election, Richard Leonard has turned to Smith, who currently works as GMB Scotland’s policy and external affairs officer.

Smith will take up the post - which involves taking responsibility for the party's strategic and operational management - in January, holding it until May 2021. 

Leonard said he was delighted Smith had taken on the job.

Smith - who was one of Scotland’s youngest MSPs and often named as a potential party leader - quit Holyrood at the last election, saying he was looking for “new challenges”.

In his time as a Glasgow list MSP served as the party’s spokesperson on the constitution in the run-up to the independence referendum.

He also worked as parliamentary private secretary to Jim Murphy during his short, disastrous tenure as party chief.

Under his leadership, Labout lost 40 of its 41 Scottish MPs at the 2015 General Election.

As an MSP Smith was a vocal campaigner for opt-out organ donation and same-sex marriage. 

However, he faced calls to resign back in 2013 after being pictured at a trade union protest outside the home of an Ineos director during the Grangemouth dispute.

He was pictured standing alongside a giant inflatable rat at the protest, but many condemned the union's decision to targeting the boss's home.

Smith said: “2021 is both an important and fast-approaching election for Scotland and for the Labour Party. The events of the last year have shown more than ever how important it is that the voices of working people are heard in Scottish politics. 

“The campaign ahead is our chance to take our message to the people of Scotland, but also for all of the talented and committed people already in our party to be included and to get involved.   

“Working together, I believe we can see our party growing again and I will also work hard to again make Scottish Labour a welcoming place for all who share our values.” 

Leonard: "I am looking forward to working with Drew to gear up the Party for next year’s election. He is an experienced campaigner and widely respected across the Labour movement.  

"Together we will ensure that we have a positive and distinctive Scottish Labour message to take to the people of Scotland.  I am delighted that he has agreed to take up this post."

In a short statement, Sharpe, who is considered to be on the left of the party, said he was leaving his post, to spend more time with his family.

He said: “With elections for the Scottish Parliament five months away, I realise that I cannot give both my young family and the party I love that commitment that they each deserve.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Richard as leader of Scottish Labour, all the party members, our talented staff, our elected representatives at all levels and our trade union comrades for all that they do to advance the cause of Labour.”