Scottish Labour
Leadership
2026
The Scottish Executive Committee has agreed to the following procedures for the election for Leader of the Scottish Labour Party following Anas Sarwar’s resignation. Jackie Baillie will serve as Acting Leader until the election has concluded.
Election Process
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Meet the Candidates
Any Labour Member of the Scottish Parliament may put themselves or one other Labour Member of the Scottish Parliament forward.
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MP and MSP nominations
Candidates will require the nomination of 3 MSPs and 3 MPs to stand for election.
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Affiliate and CLP nominations
All candidates must also receive nominations from at least 3 affiliates or CLPs (at least 2 of which must be trade union affiliates).
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Councillor nominations
Scottish Labour Councillors are entitled to make one supporting nomination.
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Timetable
24 July 2026: Freeze date for elector eligibility
Members who joined on or before 24 January 2026 are eligible to vote.
3 August 2026: Nomination stage begins
MPs, MSPs, affiliates and CLPs may nominate any Labour Member of the Scottish Parliament.
17 August 2026: Nomination stage ends
Nominations close at 10:00.
17 August 2026: Supporting nominations stage begins
Councillors may provide a supporting nomination to any validly nominated candidate.
18 August – 8 September 2026: Membership & affiliate hustings
Hustings will be held online and in person.
24 August: Supporting nominations stage ends
Nominations close at 10:00.
28 August 2026: Ballot opens
Members and affiliated supporters cast their votes.
7 September 2026: Last date to reissue postal ballots
11 days prior to close of ballot.
10 September 2026: Last date to reissue electronic ballots
7 days prior to close of ballot.
17 September 2026: Ballot closes
19 September 2026: Leadership announcement event
Announcement of result.
