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Jeremy Corbyn’s closest ally in Scotland has ruled himself out of standing for Scottish Labour leader, the Daily Record can reveal.

The MSP issued a statement today making it clear he will not consider a bid to replace departing leader Kezia Dugdale.

Findlay said: “I will not be putting put my name forward in this election.

"I wish Kezia and those who may seek to succeed her the very best for the future and I look forward to Parliament returning next week so I can work with my colleagues to hold the SNP to account for their appalling mishandling of our public services, expose the Tories for their shambolic handling of the Brexit process and work towards returning Labour government’s at Holyrood and Westminster that works for the many not the few”

(Image: West Lothian Courier)

Findlay, who ran Jeremy Corbyn’s UK leadership campaign in Scotland, unsuccessfully stood against Jim Murphy for the position in the 2015.

His decision not to stand leaves allies of Corbyn looking for a fresh candidate to put forward in the contest.

There are suggestions that acting leader Alex Rowley - who has close ties to both Corbyn and Gordon Brown - could be interested in taking over from Dugdale.

(Image: PA)

Other names in the frame for the post include Central Scotland MSP Richard Leonard and former deputy leader Anas Sarwar.

Dugdale rocked Scottish politics by announcing her resignation late last night.

Corbyn paid tribute to her, saying: “I’d like to thank Kezia Dugdale for her work as Scottish Labour leader and the important role she has played in rebuilding the party in Scotland.

“Kezia became Scottish leader at one of the most difficult times in the history of the Scottish Labour Party, and the party’s revival is now fully under way, with six new MPs and many more to come.”

Dugdale announcement came just days after Corbyn finished a high-profile tour of Scotland, including an appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe arts festival.

Speaking the day after her 36th birthday, Dugdale said being leader had been “a difficult but fulfilling challenge”.

In her letter to Scottish Labour Party chairwoman Linda Stewart, she stated: “Too often our leaders leave in a crisis, with scores to settle. I love this party too much for that to be my way. There will be no press conference and no off-the-record briefing in my name.

“I choose to stand down because I believe it is best for me and best for Scottish Labour, at a time when we can be positive and optimistic about our future.”

Referring to the death of Labour activist and motor neurone disease campaigner Gordon Aikman earlier this year, she said she had “lost a dear friend who taught me a lot about how to live”.

She continued: “His terminal illness forced him to identify what he really wanted from life, how to make the most of it and how to make a difference. He taught me how precious and short life was and never to waste a moment.”

Dugdale will continue as an MSP for the Lothian region, with Rowley set to take charge of the party in Scotland until her successor is found.

(Image: PA)

The party's executive committee will meet on Saturday, September 9, to agree the timetable and process for the leadership election.

Interim leader Rowley said: “Under the leadership of Kezia Dugdale, the Scottish Labour Party is stronger and more united than it was when she took the job, we have a platform on which to build. On behalf of the party, I wish her well.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also wished her well for the future, writing on Twitter: “We may be opponents, but @kezdugdale led her party with guts and determination and I admired her for that.”

Unite’s Scottish secretary Pat Rafferty warned against “undue haste” in selecting a new leader.

“We thank Kezia for the work she has done to contribute to the Scottish labour movement and the party in Scotland, and wish her very well in all she does in the future,” he said.

“The party is now rebuilding in Scotland and is rightly seen as the opponent of the mindless austerity of the Conservative party.

“We urge the party to reflect upon this turn in fortunes and consolidate, not to act in undue haste on any succession plan.

“There is no need to rush to a leadership election. Under Alex Rowley’s interim leadership we are confident that the voices of Scotland’s working people will be heard loud and clear at Holyrood.

“This is not about the next four weeks. It is about the next four years. This is an opportunity to reflect upon what the Scottish Labour Party stands for. Let’s seize it and build for the future.”