SCOTTISH Labour has named a former Glasgow MSP as its new general secretary, claiming the party is “building the alternative to the SNP and the Tories that Scotland deserves.” 

James Kelly, who served in the Scottish Parliament from 2007 until the Holyrood elections earlier this year, takes over from interim general secretary Drew Smith, who has deputised in the position since the departure of Michael Sharpe last year. 

Mr Kelly previously served as the party’s chief whip and as a spokesman in a number of roles before standing down in 2020 as part of attempts to force out former leader Richard Leonard. 

The former MSP has been welcomed to the role by the party’s Scottish leader, Anas Sarwar, who said Mr Kelly would help build winning campaigns across Scotland. 

Mr Sarwar said: “Scottish Labour is focused on doing just one thing: building the alternative to the SNP and the Tories that Scotland deserves.

“We will work tirelessly to achieve that, and, if you agree with me that Scotland deserves better, I hope you will join me on that journey.”