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Scottish Labour members want Kezia Dugdale to lead the party for at least a decade, according to internal research conducted by a top university.

In a boost for the under fire politician, grassroots activists have demanded “stability” at the top of the party and an end to frequent challenges to the leader.

The findings are a major blow to hard left activists hoping to topple Dugdale to install a figure more sympathetic to UK leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Members of fringe group Momentum are angry the Scottish leader backed Corbyn’s opponent, Owen Smith, during the summer’s leadership contest.

There have been rumours they could try to replace her with trade union activist turned MSP Richard Leonard.

He would be the fifth Scottish Labour leader in as many years.

The plotters have seized on polling showing Labour, who dropped to third behind the Tories in May’s Holyrood election, are failing to win back support.

But the private research, leaked to the Record, suggests they would be foolish to mount a coup.

Bath University academics carried out seven focus groups with between 10 and 15 new and long-term members, plus 13 interviews with key party figures.

(Image: PA Wire)

It concluded: “Regardless of where participants sat ideologically, there was no support at all for another leadership election. There was universal agreement that Kezia should remain leader for at least the next ten years.”

It added: “There is no wish for leadership change within Scottish Labour; on the contrary, there is a great desire for leadership stability.

“Members are generally happy with policy but want the party to be more confident, bold and effective in promoting its values.

"There is no illusion amongst the membership that the party will turn its current position around quickly. Whilst there is a sense of urgency, there is no panic. The party needs time to reflect and rebuild."

One member is quoted saying: “I think Kezia is fantastic and I think she’s a huge talent. I think she’s the best leader we’ve had since Donald Dewar. She’s got to now think, remake and find strategy.”

Another added: “We just need to keep our people lifted and supported and what we don’t need is more referenda, more elections for leaders.”

The research found party members want Scottish Labour to take a more distinct position on the independence debate dividing Scotland.

“There is a strong desire for politics in Scotland to move beyond the constitution,” according to the executive summary.

“To do so, members believe Scottish Labour needs to formulate a constitutional ‘answer’, with universal agreement that this sits between independence and Unionism. The dominant concern, beyond the constitution, is the need for the party to put forward a clear vision and stick to it.”

A senior Scottish Labour source said: “This extensive research shows that Scottish Labour’s membership is firmly behind Kez and want an end to the infighting and turbulence of recent years.

“There is clear support for the party’s policy position to stop the SNP’s cuts and invest in public services.

“And there is clear support for our firm belief that Scotland should remain in the UK.

“Tomorrow, Kez will deliver a major speech on the constitution in London. She will spell out why Scottish Labour believes passionately in our Union, and why we reject the divisive nationalism on offer from the SNP and the Tories.

“Our membership cards say ‘by the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more than we achieve alone’. That is as true today as it was when it was first written.”

The research was conducted in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee over two-week period by Dr David Moon and Dr Sophie Whiting from the end of August to start of September.