Johann Lamont denies quit rumours

Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont has denied rumours that she’s planning to quit – and says that she can beat the presumptive next SNP leader and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, telling the Daily Record “I wouldn’t stand against her if I didn’t think I’d beat her”.

Rumours have circulated in recent weeks that Lamont would step down after the referendum campaign – especially after her Glasgow constituents voted for independence – with Jim Murphy just one of those linked with the role after his barnstorming and attention-grabbing performances in recent months.

Lamont told the Daily Record that she had thought about stepping down “because this would be a natural time” – but said that she wants to fight on to the 2016 election as Scottish Labour leader.