A moderate MSP has announced he is running to become the next Scottish Labour leader as his Left-wing opponent took a swipe at Kezia Dugdale for failing to capitalise on the “Corbyn bounce” during the general election campaign.

Anas Sarwar, the Labour’s health spokesman, said Scotland does not need a party “fighting itself” and pledged to “unite our party and lead us back to power”.

He paid tribute to Ms Dugdale for her “dedicated service” following her sudden decision last week to resign from the role, prompting the party’s search for its fifth leader in only six years.

But Richard Leonard, his trade unionist, Left-wing opponent, said the party under Ms Dugdale had missed an opportunity to win more seats at the general election because it did not pick up on Jeremy Corbyn’s appeal.

One of Mr Corbyn’s keenest supporters in Holyrood, he confirmed on Sunday that he would stand for the leadership. Labour’s national executive committee will determine the timing and form of the ballot when it meets on September 9.