This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7480129.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Labour figures call for contest Jamieson mulls Labour leader role
(20 minutes later)
Senior figures in Scottish Labour have said there should be a contest to replace Wendy Alexander as leader. Scottish Labour deputy leader Cathy Jamieson said she was consideringrunning for the leadership vacancy created by Wendy Alexander quitting.
Former first minister Jack McConnell said a proper debate would allow candidates to put forward a clear direction for the party's future. Ms Alexander stood down on Saturday after Holyrood's Standards Committee ruled she should be suspended from the Scottish Parliament for one day.
Henry McLeish, who was first minister before Mr McConnell, wanted a contest held within a "tight timetable". She had failed to declare donations to her leadership campaign.
Acting leader Cathy Jamieson said she was "actively considering" standing for the post. Ms Jamieson - Labour's acting leader - said she could not rule out standing for the leadership.
Others names mentioned as possible candidates are Andy Kerr, Margaret Curran and Iain Gray, who has already declared his intention to stand. Others tipped as possible candidates include former health minister Andy Kerr, former communities minister Margaret Curran and Iain Gray - a minister in the first Scottish parliament who lost his seat in 2003 but returned to Holyrood in 2007.
Mr McConnell told BBC Scotland's Politics Show a leadership contest would ensure the person chosen had the confidence of the party and the Scottish people. When asked if she would run, Ms Jamieson told BBC Scotland's Politics Show: "I've not ruled it out.
He also warned that there should not interference from Downing Street or elsewhere. "You could interpret that if I have not ruled it out, then I am activelyconsidering the position."
She added: "Whatever I do my primary motivation will be what is best for the Labour Party."
Her comments came as senior figures in Scottish Labour said there should be a contest to replace Wendy Alexander as leader.
Former first minister Jack McConnell said a leadership contest would ensure the person chosen had the confidence of the party and the Scottish people.
Jack McConnell said the leader should be chosen without interferenceHe also warned that there should not interference from Downing Street or elsewhere.
Mr McConnell said: "One of the key factors here is that members of the Scottish Parliament and party members in Scotland make a choice without any influence from people such as me or from senior figures in the party leadership elsewhere.Mr McConnell said: "One of the key factors here is that members of the Scottish Parliament and party members in Scotland make a choice without any influence from people such as me or from senior figures in the party leadership elsewhere.
Cathy Jamieson has not ruled out standing for the party leadership "I think we need to have the candidates set out their stall, give them the chance to show the leadership qualities they think they have but also have a real debate about the Scottish Labour Party and how we put our values and principles into practice for the 21st century."
"I think we need to have the candidate set out their stall, give them the chance to show the leadership qualities they think they have but also have a real debate about the Scottish Labour Party and how we put our values and principles into practice for the 21st century." Henry McLeish, who was first minister before Mr McConnell, wanted a contest held within a "tight timetable".
Mr McLeish said: "There is no obvious favourite to replace Wendy. He said: "There is no obvious favourite to replace Wendy.
"That is why I think that within the party structure in Scotland we should have a vote."That is why I think that within the party structure in Scotland we should have a vote.
"Candidates should be allowed to come forward. Let's have a decent debate.""Candidates should be allowed to come forward. Let's have a decent debate."
He added that the leader needed to be chosen quickly because people were "losing patience" with Labour.He added that the leader needed to be chosen quickly because people were "losing patience" with Labour.
"Every day counts in rebuilding Labour's confidence and trust with Scottish people," he added."Every day counts in rebuilding Labour's confidence and trust with Scottish people," he added.
Ms Jamieson, who has been the party's deputy leader for seven years, said Labour had nothing to fear from a leadership contest.
She said she had not ruled out standing for leader.