Scottish Labour Leader Kezia Dugdale has announced she is in a relationship with an SNP MSP.

Ms Dugdale, 35, is dating Jenny Gilruth, the Scottish parliament representative for Mid Fife and Glenrothes.

The pair have been in a relationship for around four months, after Ms Dugdale split with her partner of nine years in January.

In a joint statement, Ms Dugdale and Ms Gilruth said: "We don't consider this to be 'news' - but we appreciate others might and we want to go about our daily lives normally.

"We would like to thank our friends, family and colleagues for their kindness over the past few months and for their love and support.


Dugdale: SNP only thinks about independence

"We'd politely ask that our privacy is respected because while we are both politicians, we are also human beings - in a new relationship, which we cherish."

A close friend of the couple said: "Kez and Jenny are so happy together and make a great couple.

"They share much in common, but like so many couples they differ over their politics - which is something they will always agree to disagree on."

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon sent her congratulations to the couple.

She tweeted: "So love really does conquer all! Wishing every happiness to @JennyGilruth & @kezdugdale."