Labour will announce a new Scottish leader on Saturday to replace Johann Lamont, who resigned last month.

The ballot has closed for the three way contest between Jim Murphy MP, Neil Findlay MSP and Sarah Boyack MSP.

Mr Murphy has been considered the front runner with endorsements from high profile Labour politicians, but Mr Findlay has gathered support from trade unions and the contest is expected to be between the two.

The vote is decided in an electoral college split into three with elected politicians, Affiliated trade union members and individual party members having a vote.

It means an MP or MSP who is a member of two trade unions can have four votes, while an individual member may have only one.

Mr Findlay's campaign team said the result would be close and they campaigned right up till the last minute.

A spokesman said: "This is going to the wire. Neil has led this debate with his messages on Social Housing, on tackling inequality, rail renationalisation, changing our education system. All areas where others have had to follow, because our message is resonating.

"Less than a month ago when our volunteers started phoning party members some people were saying "Who is Neil Findlay?' no one is saying that now, and the issues he has raised are now firmly on the political agenda."

Mr Murphy said the election of a new leader was a fresh start for Labour in Scotland.

He said: "This is an exciting time to be in Scottish politics. Never has our great nation had more confidence in itself or more hope about the future. With the delivery of the devolution Vow on more powers for the Scottish Parliament, change is coming to Scotland.

"The challenge for the Scottish Labour Party is to be accepted again as the drivers of that change.

"I've enjoyed campaigning alongside Sarah Boyack and Neil Findlay. It has been a good advert for a fresh start for Scottish Labour.

"Saturday's result will be the verdict of Scottish Labour Party members and trade unionists on how best to revitalise our movement north of the border."

Ms Boyack ended the campaign with a call for strengthened local councils.

She said:"Fixing local government funding with a fairer alternative to council tax is a priority and I welcome Nicola Sturgeon's commitment to a cross-party commission on the issue.

"But we need to consider additional ideas. I am eager to explore new ways to allow councils to generate revenue to drive innovation."