Scottish Labour is beginning the search for a new leader after Anas Sarwar quit the post to join new Prime Minister Andy Burnham's Government.
It was confirmed on Tuesday that Mr Sarwar will be a trade minister in the Department of Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
Confirming the move, he said: “Throughout my life, I have only ever been motivated by public service. The opportunity to serve our country is all I have ever asked.
“That’s why this is an opportunity I humbly accept.”
Sarwar to Join House of Lords
To take up the post he will join the House of Lords, with former MSP Monica Lennon now set for a return to Holyrood taking up the place his departure frees up on the Glasgow regional list.
She had run against Mr Sarwar for the leadership in the previous contest back in 2021, and has not ruled out standing again this time.
Other candidates who could put themselves forward to be the next Scottish Labour leader include Michael Marra, who was Labour's finance spokesman in the last parliament, and Paul Sweeney.
Dame Jackie Baillie, who will serve as acting leader until a permanent replacement for Mr Sarwar is found, has ruled herself out of running.
Reaction from Party Members
Paul O'Kane, who had been Labour's education spokesperson at Holyrood until he lost his job in the May election, said there was some “anger” and “disappointment” from party members over Mr Sarwar's decision to quit.
He said Scottish Labour was in “a period of pain and a period of reflection around what has happened” in the election – where the party won the lowest number of MSPs in its history.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's breakfast programme, Mr O'Kane said: “I do understand the anger and the disappointment and indeed I feel some of that myself.
“We're in a period of pain, we're in a period of reflection. Anas had made a commitment to lead us through that period so I do feel a sense of disappointment that he won't be doing that.”
He said that Mr Sarwar had “skills and talents” that could see him “make an important contribution” to the new Government.
But he stressed for Scottish Labour: “What's vital is we don't lose sight of that important period of reflection, because I think we need to take that time to understand what happened in May and what our future direction will be and indeed who will lead us.
“Clearly, the page is closing in terms of Anas' leadership of the party, so it is about what is next and looking to the future.”
He described North East Scotland MSP Mr Marra as being “something of a frontrunner” for the leadership post, describing him as being “someone who is credible and serious and has a lot to offer”.
Mr O'Kane said: “We need to see whose names come forward, but Michael Marra and I have worked closely together. I view him as serious and credible and I think he can move our party forward.
“But there's a debate to be had, as a party member it is important I listen and engage in all of that.”
