This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-33133054

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Glasgow Council leader Matheson joins Scottish deputy Labour leader contest Glasgow Council leader Matheson joins Scottish deputy Labour leader contest
(35 minutes later)
The leader of Glasgow City Council Gordon Matheson said he was standing in the contest to be deputy leader of the Scottish Labour Party.The leader of Glasgow City Council Gordon Matheson said he was standing in the contest to be deputy leader of the Scottish Labour Party.
The announcement follows the formal resignation of leader Jim Murphy and deputy leader Kezia Dugdale.The announcement follows the formal resignation of leader Jim Murphy and deputy leader Kezia Dugdale.
The changes at the top of the Scottish party come in the wake of Labour losing all but one of its 41 seats at May's general election.The changes at the top of the Scottish party come in the wake of Labour losing all but one of its 41 seats at May's general election.
Mr Matheson said he offered the necessary experience to do the job.Mr Matheson said he offered the necessary experience to do the job.
The 48-year-old, who is the first to throw his hat in the ring for the deputy job, became a councillor in May 1999 and was elected leader of Glasgow City Council in May 2010.The 48-year-old, who is the first to throw his hat in the ring for the deputy job, became a councillor in May 1999 and was elected leader of Glasgow City Council in May 2010.
In a statement on Monday, Mr Matheson said: "The Scottish Labour Party needs to stop feeling sorry for itself and instead focus on the concerns of the people of Scotland.In a statement on Monday, Mr Matheson said: "The Scottish Labour Party needs to stop feeling sorry for itself and instead focus on the concerns of the people of Scotland.
"I offer the distinct combination of experience and change. I have successfully led Scotland's largest city for over five years. But because I'm not an MSP I offer a fresh perspective on the national political scene.""I offer the distinct combination of experience and change. I have successfully led Scotland's largest city for over five years. But because I'm not an MSP I offer a fresh perspective on the national political scene."
He added that he was "under no illusions as to the challenges" ahead for the Scottish Labour Party but he was "up for the fight" because he believed in Labour values.He added that he was "under no illusions as to the challenges" ahead for the Scottish Labour Party but he was "up for the fight" because he believed in Labour values.
Political hustings
Following changes spearheaded by Mr Murphy before his departure at the weekend, the election for both positions will be based on one-member-one-vote.
To stand as deputy, Mr Matheson must achieve at least 15% of support from the elected parliamentary group, which includes MSPs, Labour's sole Scottish MP Ian Murray and MEPs, or 15% of Scottish Labour councillors.
The Scottish Labour leadership is being contested by two MSPs, Ms Dugdale and Ken Macintosh.The Scottish Labour leadership is being contested by two MSPs, Ms Dugdale and Ken Macintosh.
The contenders will take part in a series of hustings at four venues including;
The new leader and deputy leader will be announced at a special gathering on Saturday 15 August.
Leadership timetable
15 June - Nominations open for leader and deputy leader
19 June (12 noon) - Nominations close
19 June (17:00) - Supporting nominations open
22 June - Hustings period opens
13 July - Last date to join as member, affiliated supporter, or registered supporter in order to vote in the leadership ballot
10 July (12 noon) - Supporting nominations close
20 July - Ballot opens
14 August - Ballot closes
15 August - Result announced