THE Scottish Labour leadership campaign gathered pace as voting opened in the contest to take over from Jim Murphy.

The two candidates Ken Macintosh and Kezia Dugdale made their pitch to members and supporters, telling them they are the future of Labour, as the leader will be chosen under a new electoral system for the party.

Mr Macintosh is sending out a campaign video to all party members and registered supporters who are now eligible to vote.

The Eastwood MSP will then embark on a round-the-country tour meeting voters and setting out his plan to turn the party round to make it a credible force in Scottish politics once again.

He said: “For the next three and a half weeks, the focus will be on making sure members know the future of the party lies in their hands, that it is their decision that counts. I will be urging them to choose a new path."

The voting rules have changed from the system of a three way Electoral College of parliamentarians, party members and trades unions to one member one vote.

Labour have refused to say exactly how many people are eligible to vote and how many are party members and how many are the new registered supporters, who can sign up for £3.

Scottish Labour spokesman said: “Around twenty thousand people will have the opportunity to take part in the leadership and deputy leadership elections when voting begins today.

“Since the election we have seen an increase in the number of people signing up both as members and registered supporters.”

Kezia Dugdale, Lothians MSP, considered the frontrunner as the four week voting period opened, said the members had to be allowed to play a greater role in the party’s future.

She said:"Labour's route to power starts by making the most of the talent of our supporters, and by reaching out to all Scots who share our desire to empower communities and transform lives.

"We need to take the opportunity that this race is affording us to look beyond our benches at Holyrood and our party's membership, to the communities and organisations that share our values of a fairer and more equal Scotland.

"It's clear we need start promoting and supporting a new generation of Scots who want to see an end to injustice, and to give them the space and support needed to call the Scottish Labour Party home.”