Barrhead News | News | BARRHEAD MSP FOR LEADER?

Saturday, 22nd November, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 30th July, 2008 19:00

BARRHEAD MSP FOR LEADER?

By Amanda Keenan

EAST Renfrewshire MSP Ken Macintosh is considering running for the Scottish Labour leader title - but only if he gets signed nominations from his colleagues.

Mr Macintosh needs support from a minimum of six other MSPs before he can enter the running to succeed former leader Wendy Alexander.

A spokesperson for Mr Macintosh said: “He is thinking about it, and taking sound advice.

“Members of the public have asked him to consider standing and that is exactly what he is doing.

“He is speaking with members of the Labour party and will reach a decision over the next few weeks.”

But he could face tough competition for the title as former cabinet ministers Andy Kerr, Iain Gray and Cathy Jamieson are the front-runners.

Former health minister Andy Kerr is calling for action to tackle Scotland’s drink and knife culture as he set out his stall to become Labour’s new leader.

He said: “Those who sell it to them are the lowest of the low.

“We must take those rogue shopkeepers on, increase enforcement, fines and penalties and ban those caught from selling alcohol in the future.

“It is time for mandatory sentences for anyone caught with a blade without a good reason.”

“In the long term, it is Scottish Labour who can and will address the real issues that concern people.

“And we will resolve them in the interests of ordinary Scots and their families.”

Ex-Glasgow council leader Charlie Gordon, who was involved in the donation row that dogged Ms Alexander’s time as leader, has also expressed an interest.

The position of deputy leader will also be contested, with MSP Margaret Curran, defeated in the Glasgow East by-election, considering whether to stand.

The Leader’s position became vacant when Ms Alexander quit last month following the damaging row over donations.

Mr Macintosh was first elected to represent East Renfrewshire in 1999 and 2003 and was re-elected in 2007.

Before entering the Scottish Parliament he was a television producer for the BBC where he worked on national news programmes.

As the constituency MSP for East Renfrewshire, much of his time is spent pursuing issues and tackling problems on behalf of constituents.

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