THE contest to become the next Scottish Labour leader will be a three-way fight between an MP and two MSPs.

Nominations have closed and East Renfrewshire MP, Jim Murphy and two Lothians MSPs, Neil Findlay and Sarah Boyack have secured enough nominations to stand.

Mr Murphy has the backing of senior Westminster colleagues, Alistair Darling, Douglas Alexander and at least 24 other MPs.

At Holyrood he has support from Jackie Baillie, former leader Iain Gray and 17 others. Mr Murphy said he would, "unite Labour and bring our country back together again."

Mr Findlay has the backing of train drivers union Aslef, public service union Unison and could be supported by Unite, who has said it finds "difficulty" in supporting Mr Murphy. He also has backing from MPs and MSPs on the left of the party including Glasgow South West MP Ian Davidson and deputy leadership contender Katy Clark MP.

Mr Findlay said: "We need an economy that works for all of the people."

Ms Boyack, seen as the outsider, has support from veteran MSP Malcolm Chisholm and another six MSPs and three MPs.

She said: "We need to reach out to people who share our values, but haven't always voted for us."

The deputy leadership contest is between Ms Clark and another Lothians MSP Kezia Dugdale.

Ms Dugdale is understood to be the preference of the Murphy supporters, which would see an MP and MSP leadership team until Mr Murphy could secure a seat at Holyrood.

The vote is an electoral college of parliamentarians, party members and trades unions deciding on the next leader.

Mr Murphy is securing most support among MPs and MSPs with big unions giving their backing Mr Findlay,making the votes of party members crucial.