ANOTHER influential union has backed Neil Findlay for the Scottish Labour leadership.

The Communications Workers Union (CWU) said it is supporting the Lothians MSP over Jim Murphy and Sarah Boyack.

The union, with 17000 postal and telecommunications members in Scotland, said it is also endorsing North Ayrshire MP Katy Clark for deputy leader.

The union said it backed the pair to deliver a united party with social justice policies.

The CWU is sixth union to back Mr Findlay.

It follows support from the big unions Unite, Unison and GMB, transport union TSSA and the train drivers' union, Aslef.

Billy Hayes, General Secretary of the CWU, said: "We need a leadership team in Scotland that can unite the party and take Labour to victory next May.

"We know Neil and Katy will be leaders who are committed to defending the rights of working people in Scotland and will work with trade unions to fight for social justice. We are pleased to support them."

Mr Findlay accepted the support, which makes it more likely he will take the majority of votes from the unions' section of the three part electoral college, which also includes, MPs and MSPs and party members.

Mr Murphy has the most support among MPs, MSPs and MEPs, making the votes of individual members crucial.

Mr Findlay said: "I'm obviously delighted to have the support of the CWU. We have a shared agenda of standing up for working people"

Ms Clark also has support from trade unions BFAWU, Unite, Aslef, Ucatt, the TSSA, Unison and GMB.

She said: "I am delighted to have received the support of the CWU.

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk