Iain Gray launches Labour leadership campaign

FORMER enterprise minister Iain Gray today said the new Labour leader will have a "powerful mandate" as he launched his campaign for the top job.

He also accused First Minister Alex Salmond of demeaning Parliament through his "playground abuse" of opponents at Holyrood.

The former enterprise minister was speaking as he got his campaign under way at Prestonpans Labour club in his East Lothian constituency.

East Renfrewshire MSP Ken Macintosh announced that he has pulled out of the race and was backing former health minister Andy Kerr.

Another leadership hopeful, the former justice minister Cathy Jamieson, today called for a windfall tax on energy firms, with Glasgow Cathcart MSP Charlie Gordon still considering whether to run.

Mr Gray kicked off his campaign officially with a speech to local members and activists.

"The leader will emerge from this leadership contest with a powerful mandate," he said.

"MSPs, MPs, MEPs, trade unions and party members all vote in the election.

"They will be able to draw on that distinctive Scottish authority to be a distinctive Scottish voice for Labour in Scotland."

The campaign came about after the resignation of Wendy Alexander as in a row over donations to her campaign.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Gray also hit out at First Minister Alex Salmond's approach in Holyrood.

"I'm not going to suggest to you that I can out do Alex Salmond on the playground abuse approach to politics," he said.

"I don't think that's how our politics should be.

"In fact I think that much of the language and approach that the First Minister takes to our Parliament is actually quite demeaning for that Parliament.

"I would bring to it a very serious examination of what the SNP are actually doing."

Despite working for several years at the Scotland Office as an advisor, Mr Gray said he hoped he would not be seen as the favoured Westminster candidate.

"What I was doing there was devolving more power to Scotland than Alex Salmond ever has, including things like power over rail infrastructure," he said.

He also added that he would not support the government's proposed independence referendum in 2011, claiming that Wendy Alexander's previous calls for the SNP to "bring it on" had not been taken up by the Nationalists.

Mr Gray also backed Gordon Brown as Prime Minister, despite speculation of a leadership challenge.

"I still think Gordon Brown is the best person to lead the Labour Party," he said.

Ken Macintosh said this afternoon had decided not to put his name forward for the leadership and was backing Mr Kerr.

"Not only do I agree with him on policy issues, I know Andy has the experience and the spark needed to highlight the weaknesses of this divisive SNP government," Mr Macintosh said.

"I have decided to add my name to his list of nominees."

The party's public safety spokesman Paul Martin also came out in favour of Andy Kerr today.

Ms Jamieson today called for "tough action" against energy companies, as British Gas owner Centrica announced a 35% hike in gas prices.
"Enough is enough," she said.

"The Chancellor of the Exchequer should make it clear that unless we see these companies show some decency then he should be prepared to introduce a windfall tax and then use that money to reduce people's energy bills."

Nominations for the leadership close tomorrow, with Mr Gray and Ms Jamieson, so far, the only candidates to secure the requisite six.