Michael Marra elected leader of Scottish Labour, succeeding Anas Sarwar

Michael Marra has been elected as the new leader of Scottish Labour, succeeding Anas Sarwar.

Marra, a regional MSP for North East Scotland, defeated rival candidate Joe Fagan in a ballot of Scottish Labour members, winning 4,266 votes (63 percent)  to Fagan’s 2,485 votes (37 percent).’ Turnout was 6,751.

He becomes the 11th leader of Scottish Labour, taking charge of the party months after its worst Holyrood election – returning just 17 MSPs in May.

First entering Holyrood in 2021, he previously served as shadow education secretary and shadow finance secretary, and played a pivotal role in drawing up Scottish Labour’s 2026 election manifesto. 

WATCH: LabourList editor Emma Burnell interviews Michael Marra during the campaign

Marra pledged in his campaign to devolve power across the party and “rebuild a movement that belongs to its members, trade unions, and communities”.

His election as leader came following the resignation of Anas Sarwar, after his appointment to Andy Burnham’s government as a trade minister.

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Following his election, he said: “To be entrusted with the leadership of our Scottish Labour Party is a singular honour and a great responsibility.

“I am grateful for your trust and take on the duty of advancing our cause of a fairer, more equal Scotland with all that I can possibly give.”

In a post on X, Fagan congratulated Marra on his victory and added: “I’m proud of the campaign we ran and grateful to every member, trade unionist and affiliate who took part.

“I look forward to working with Michael to build a party that delivers for working people.”

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