“I’m standing for First Minister of Scotland and I intend to win”: Jim Murphy joins Scottish Labour leadership race

We now have three candidates for Scottish Labour leader, as Jim Murphy’s long-awaited candidacy has been confirmed. The Shadow International Development Secretary and former Scotland Secretary released a statement this evening, saying that his intention is to be Scottish Labour leader and First Minister:

“I’m standing for First Minister of Scotland and I intend to win. I want to bring Scotland back together after the referendum. There is so much to be proud of in Scotland but so much we have to change. I’ve travelled to every part of our country and I know that people want us to get on with tackling poverty and increasing prosperity. As leader of Scottish Labour and as First Minister of Scotland that is exactly what I will do.”

Murphy has been an MP since 1997, representing East Renfrewshire (previously Eastwood), winning and holding what had previously been considered a safe Conservative seat. He’s currently the bookies favourite to win the role, having gained an increased profile and enhanced his reputation over the course of his 100 days 100 streets tour over the course of the recent independence referendum. He joins MPSs Sarah Boyack and Neil Findlay as declared candidates.