Kezia Dugdale confirms Scottish Labour leadership bid

Kezia Dugdale said she wanted to transform her party for the good of the country

Labour's Kezia Dugdale has confirmed she will stand for the leadership of her party in Scotland when Jim Murphy steps down next month.

Ms Dugdale, 33, who became an MSP four years ago, has been the Scottish party's deputy leader since December.

The Lothian region MSP is expected to face a challenge from another MSP - Ken MacIntosh.

Mr Murphy decided to quit after Labour's near wipeout in Scotland at the general election.

Ms Dugdale has strong support among Labour MSPs, with less than a year to the next Holyrood elections.

Mr Macintosh, the party's social justice spokesman, stood unsuccessfully against Johann Lamont for the leadership in 2011.

Announcing her intention to stand, Ms Dugdale said transforming Scotland's education system to make it fairer for all would be her key priority.

'Challenge ahead'

She said that, as the daughter of two teachers, she knew the value of education.

"At its best it can transform the life chances of young people, no matter their background," she said.

She added: "I am standing to be Scottish Labour leader and I intend to transform my party for the good of my country.

"I will formally launch my campaign next month when the Scottish executive committee sets out the rules and timetable for the leadership contest. At that point there will be much more to say on how we must meet the challenge ahead.

"This is a moment when Scottish Labour must and will change. It's time for a new generation with a vision for the future of Scotland."

Jim Murphy will quit as leader of Scottish Labour next month

Ms Dugdale said nothing could disguise the fact that Labour lost badly in the general election.

"The job of our next leader isn't to explain away that loss or find excuses - it's to understand why people were so reluctant to vote for us and find a way of regaining the trust of the people of Scotland," she said.

"I do not underestimate the scale of the challenge Scottish Labour faces.

"But we've been the insurgent force before, pushing back against the political establishment and winning great victories and profound social change. We will be that force again. Our values are what we will carry forward with us - all the rest is baggage."