Two of Scottish Labour’s rising stars joined deputy leader Anas Sarwar yesterday in ruling themselves out of the race to replace Johann Lamont as party leader.

Jenny Marra and Kezia Dugdale, who joined the Scottish Parliament in 2011, have confirmed they will not stand in the election sparked by Ms Lamont’s resignation on Friday.

Scottish welfare spokeswoman Jackie Baillie confirmed that she would not stand, while former home secretary David Blunkett has dismissed suggestions that party heavyweight Gordon Brown wants the job.

Remaining possibilities include shadow international development secretary Jim Murphy, who took a lead referendum role with his 100-towns tour, and Holyrood health spokesman Neil Findlay, who has criticised Labour’s devolution proposals as a member of the left-wing Red Paper Collective.

But most bookies made right-wing Mr Murphy favourite, with Mr Findlay second.