Anas Sarwar is running to succeed Richard Leonard as the next Scottish Labour leader.
The Glasgow MSP confirmed his bid in an article for the Observer online after Richard Leonard resigned as leader of the party on Thursday.
In his article, he said he aimed to “rebuild” Labour north of the border after recent electoral results writing: “Scottish Labour can compete again if we offer a positive alternative – a plan to heal our wounds, to reunite our people and to rebuild our country.”
READ MORE: Richard Leonard Quits: Candidates to be the next Scottish Labour leader
Now more than ever, our country needs political leadership that will bring people together.
— Anas Sarwar (@AnasSarwar) January 16, 2021
I want to rebuild Scottish Labour, and then rebuild Scotland.
That work starts now.https://t.co/iee4BZzvUt
Late on Saturday night, he tweeted to say the country "needs political leadership that will bring people together''
READ MORE: New timetable approved by Scottish Labour for fast leadership election
In his column, Mr Sarwar wrote: "Over the past few years, I have gained a new perspective on our politics and realised that the things we argue about mean little to people's lives.
"We spend too much time highlighting our differences, rather than focusing on what unites us.
"I firmly believe we cannot go back to society as it was before the pandemic - insecure work, hollowed- out public services, an underfunded health service, and the constant focus on another independence referendum when there's far more important things we need to be dealing with.
"Scottish Labour can compete again if we offer a positive alternative - a plan to heal our wounds, to reunite our people and to rebuild our country."
The 37-year-old also discussed facing racism and fighting prejudice in the article, adding: "Speaking out against the racism I've faced was the hardest thing I've done in politics. My family faced death threats as a result.
READ MORE: Richard Leonard quits: 'Sneering traitors' blamed for decision
"But I've used that experience to spend my time in our communities working on what unites us and bringing people together - I have listened and I have learnt.
"I want to bring that same approach to our Labour movement so that we can rebuild our party and rebuild our country."
After news broke of Mr Leonard's resignation, Mr Sarwar paid tribute to his former boss, saying: "Richard has led our party through one of the most difficult times in our history.
"He is Labour to his core, and we are all grateful for his service.
"I know he will continue to fight for a fairer, more just and more equal society today, tomorrow and long into the future."
Yesterday a new timeline was approved by Scottish Labour to fast-track a leader into position by late February.
The last Scottish Labour leadership contest in 2017 - when Mr Leonard defeated Mr Sarwar - took two-and-a-half months.
Other candidates have until midnight on Sunday to declare their intention to run and will require support from at least four of the party's MSPs or its sole Scottish MP by midday on the following Tuesday to be formally nominated.
Party members and affiliated supporters will be able to cast their votes from Tuesday February 9 until ballots close on Friday February 26 with the new leader to be announced the following day.
"The new leader will be announced on February 27 and will lead Scottish Labour into the Scottish Parliament election with a fresh energy to carry Labour's message and take the fight to the Tories and the SNP."
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