STEWART PATERSON

Political Correspondent

KEZIA Dugdale has announced she will stand for the leadership of the Scottish Labour Party.

Jim Murphy's deputy is the first to declare her intention to run for the post, following the Murphy's resignation.

Labour's ruling body has yet to set out the rules of the leadership contest, which could change to one member one vote.

Mr Murphy and his predecessor Johann Lamont were elected under the Electoral College split three ways among the elected parliamentarians, trade Union members and constituency party members which meant some people had several votes.

Ms Dugdale said her priority if elected leader will be to focus on education to make it work for all.

She said her party has an enormous task to win back support following its worst defeat in Scotland ever.

She said: "I do not underestimate the scale of the challenge Scottish Labour faces. But we've been the insurgent force before, pushing back against the political establishment and winning great victories and profound social change. We will be that force again. Our values are what we will carry forward with us - all the rest is baggage.

"We have a mountain to climb, but I believe I offer a fresh start for Scottish Labour. The great social change we fight for is not a partisan cause. I can be a unifying figure across our party and our country."

Ms Dugdale's parents are both teachers and this week she challenged Nicola Sturgeon on student support.

She added: ""As the daughter of two teachers I know the value of education. At its best it can transform the life chances of young people, no matter their background. The only way we can secure a fairer, brighter tomorrow for Scotland is by giving our young people a better start in life today."

Previous leadership contender Neil Findlay ruled himself out of the contest but there is speculation Ken Macintosh, who lost to Johann Lamont in 2011 could run again.