Scottish Labour figures throw their hats into leadership ring

After Scottish Labour failed to win the general election to Holyrood in May, Iain Gray's resignation has raised the question of who will take up the leadership.

However, only a few MPs and MSPs have registered interest in becoming the next Scottish Labour leader.

Earlier this month, Johann Lamont, MSP for Glasgow Pollock, announced that she will be running as one of the candidates for the position. She told BBC Scotland she would make an official announcement later this month.

Ms Lamont told the BBC: "There is an important job to be done. We need to come to terms with what happened in May."

"But I have the experience within the Labour party when we were in government and I believe we can take the party forward."

Tom Harris, MP for Glasgow South, has also registered his interest to become the next Scottish Labour leader.

Even though Ms Lamont is seen as Gray’s personal favourite as his successor, Mr Harris said he decided to run due to the lack of candidates.

He told the BBC: "I think this amount of time after the election when we did so badly, it is truly bizarre and very damaging to the party not having a leadership campaign.”

Mr Harris said he would like to see senior MPs such as Jim Murphy or Douglas Alexander run for the position.

A party spokesman said: "Labour's leader at present is leader of Labour in the Scottish Parliament, which obviously has to be an MSP.

“Jim Murphy and Sarah Boyack are currently chairing a comprehensive review of the Scottish Labour Party and any recommendations on changes to the appointment of leader will be made in the Autumn.

"So far, a wide range of views have been submitted.”

Iain Gray agreed to remain as the party leader until a new one is announced.