Who is new Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra?

Image source, Getty By Angus Cochrane Senior political journalist, BBC Scotland Published 19 September 2026, 11:27 BST Updated 12:04 BST Michael Marra has been elected as the new leader of Scottish Labour , succeeding Anas Sarwar.

The North East MSP took up his seat at Holyrood just five years ago.

A history buff with a reputation for being a tough scrutiniser, Marra comes from a trade unionist family with strong Labour ties.

Here's all you need to know about the MSP.

Marra was born in Dundee in 1979 and grew up in the city.

The Dundee United fan went to St John's High School and joined the Labour Party as a teenager.

He studied history at Glasgow University, graduating in 2001.

Marra later secured a master's degree in economics and international development from the London School of Economics.