Labour & Co-operative MP Tom Greatrex explains why he is backing Johann Lamont MSP for Leader of Scottish Labour.

Earlier this week, I attended a hustings in Westminster attended by all three of the candidates to be the next leader of Scottish Labour.

It was a fiery debate which had a hard message about May’s election result for all of us who love the Labour movement.

But it also set out three positive visions for Scottish Labour that gave us all hope for the future.

Now I am more convinced than ever that there is one candidate who has stood out throughout this contest and offers us the best chance of winning back the trust of the people of Scotland.

It has to be Johann.

It has to be Johann because she is the candidate who understands the change that we need to make to earn the trust of the people of Scotland.

It has to be Johann because she understands the hopes and concerns of ordinary people in Scotland who need a strong Labour voice at this time.

And it has to be Johann because she is the only one who can stand up to Alex Salmond in the Scottish Parliament.

We know that Johann has the support of the majority of the MSPs, and, after today’s showing, I now expect her to have the majority of the MPs supporting her in the final ballot.

We already know that she has the support of the affiliates, including the Co-operative Party, Young Labour and the big trade unions, including Unite, GMB and Unison.

Now she needs the support of you, the loyal party members who are vital to our future success.

Johann is the candidate who can unite our parliaments, our party, and our country.

So make sure you use your ballot this week, and make sure you use it to nominate Johann to be our leader.

Tom Greatrex is Labour & Co-operative Member of Parliament for Hamilton West & Rutherglen