Michael Marra elected Scottish Labour leader

Michael Marra has been elected leader of the Scottish Labour Party, replacing Anas Sarwar who resigned to join Andy Burnham’s Government.

Having been elected as Scottish Labour leader – a role described by Mr Sarwar as the “hardest job in British politics” – Mr Marra must now set about trying to restore Labour’s fortunes with voters after the party lost its fifth consecutive Holyrood election.

North East Scotland MSP Mr Marra defeated his leadership rival Joe Fagan by 4,266 votes to 2,485.

He takes charge after the party suffered its worst result in the history of devolution in May’s Scottish Parliament elections – returning just 17 MSPs.

Having worked for Dundee University prior to entering politics, Mr Marra was made Scottish Labour’s education spokesperson in 2021.

The former Dundee councillor then went on to become his party’s finance spokesperson some two years later.

He describes himself as being “rooted in Labour”, telling party members during the campaign how he went on trade union marches as a child with his sister and his parents.

In his victory speech in Edinburgh, Mr Marra 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.”

He added: “It is the honour of my life to be elected leader of the Scottish Labour Party. I know what a responsibility it is.”

Outlining his vision for Scottish Labour under his leadership, Mr Marra said: “Rather than reaching straight for the political attack line, we should be convening all those who have been failed, building movements and alliances, and delivering change.

Michael Marra (left) and Joe Fagan wait for the announcement of the new Scottish Labour leader (Lesley Martin/PA)

PA Wire

“That’s what Andy Burnham’s success in Manchester was all about. It was starting with the people and the policy, not the politics.”

Mr Marra takes on the role just more than five years after being elected to the Scottish Parliament to represent the North East region.

His sister Jenny Marra had previously been a Labour MSP for the same area but stood down from Holyrood at the election that saw her brother elected.

Having worked for Dundee University prior to entering politics, he was made Scottish Labour’s education spokesman in 2021.

The former Dundee councillor then went on to become his party’s finance spokesman some two years later.

He describes himself as being “rooted in Labour”, telling party members during the campaign how he as a child he went on trade union marches with his sister and his parents.

However, with Labour having seen its tally of MSPs fall again in the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, he was clear to members that change is needed.