A FORMER Ryedale man has been elected leader of the Scottish Labour Party.

Richard Leonard, a member of the Labour Party for 35 years, grew up in Norton and attended Pocklington School. His mother and two sisters still live in the area.

Kezia Dugdale, resigned from leader of Scottish Labour at the end of August, sparking a new contest. Ms Dugdale is due to enter the I'm A Celebrity jungle this weekend.

In his victory speech, Mr Leonard, said: "To be elected leader of the Scottish Labour Party, to lead our party once again as a movement for real change, as a movement for democracy and socialism, as a movement for realising the hopes of the people is a source of immense pride, but it is also deeply humbling so I want to thank all of those thousands of Labour Party members and supporters who over the last ten weeks have participated in the democracy of the Labour Party.

"I’d like to thank Anas Sarwar for the way he has sought to move this contest on to the debate about ideas. There is now a consensus established on a radical policy agenda which will form the basis for our unity in going forward in which Anas will have a vital role to play."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "I would like to congratulate Richard Leonard MSP on being elected the new leader of the Scottish Labour Party, and Anas Sarwar for his energetic campaign.

"After being written off time and again, the General Election showed that our Party is capturing the mood both in Scotland and across the rest of the UK.

"There is much to do to continue our party's revival in Scotland, and many who still need to be persuaded to put their trust in the Labour Party. But Richard's campaign offered a challenge to the rigged system that has benefitted a wealthy elite and showed how he will lead Scottish Labour to transform society.

This can be a turning point in Scottish politics and our party will now come together, united to challenge Tory and SNP austerity that has held Scotland back.

"I am confident that under Richard's leadership, Labour will once again be a real force for change in Scotland. I look forward to campaigning with him in Scotland next week as we build a movement that will help our party win in Holyrood and Westminster, to transform our country for the many not the few."