Michael Marra announced as new Scottish Labour leader
Michael Marra has been elected as the new leader of the Scottish Labour Party, succeeding Anas Sarwar. Marra inherits a party that currently holds 17 seats in the Scottish Parliament.
Why it matters
The leadership change is a significant development for Scottish politics as the party attempts to recover from historically poor election results.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Michael Marra, left, has been elected as the new leader of Scottish Labour
Scotland political correspondent Published 18 September 2026 Updated 14 minutes ago Michael Marra has been announced as the next Scottish Labour leader.
He received 4266 votes from Labour members, compared with Joe Fagan's 2485.
Almost half of party members turned out to vote in the leadership contest.
Marra takes over as leader following Anas Sarwar's decision to stand down in order to take up a seat in the House of Lords.
Who is new Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra?
Published 17 minutes ago Speaking after the votes were read out, Marra said: "It is the honour of my life to be elected leader of the Scottish Labour Party.
"To be entrusted with the leadership of our Scottish Labour Party is a singular honour and a great responsibility.
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