Scottish Labour has confirmed the full timetable for its leadership contest, with the party set to remain without a permanent leader for three weeks after Holyrood returns from its summer recess.
Two candidates have now officially put their names forward for the top job, kicking off what will be a closely watched race to determine who takes the helm of the party north of the border.
The contest comes after the previous leader stepped down, leaving Scottish Labour at a critical moment. The party has been riding a wave of renewed energy following stronger than expected results at the UK general election, and whoever wins the leadership will be expected to build on that momentum heading into the 2026 Holyrood election.
The timetable confirmed by the party means members will have a clear window to hear from both candidates before casting their votes. Hustings events are expected to be held across the country, giving ordinary members and affiliated trade unions the chance to quiz the contenders on their vision for the party.
The three week gap between Holyrood returning and a new leader being in place has raised some eyebrows. Opposition parties at Holyrood will no doubt look to take advantage of the period of uncertainty, with the SNP government likely to face scrutiny on a number of fronts when parliament reconvenes. Scottish Labour will need a strong caretaker presence on the frontbench to avoid losing ground during that window.
Both candidates are expected to focus their campaigns on how Scottish Labour can present itself as a genuine alternative to the SNP government. With the SNP facing its own internal pressures and polling showing a more competitive political landscape in Scotland, the stakes for getting the leadership choice right are high.
Key issues likely to dominate the contest include the cost of living, NHS waiting times in Scotland, and the question of how closely Scottish Labour should align itself with the UK Labour government at Westminster. That last point is a delicate balancing act. Being seen as too close to London could hand ammunition to the SNP, while distancing from a UK Labour government that is still in its honeymoon period carries its own risks.
The independence question will also loom large. Scottish Labour remains firmly opposed to another independence referendum, and both candidates will be expected to spell out clearly how they plan to make the case for Scotland remaining part of the UK without simply relying on the constitutional argument alone.
Party insiders have suggested the mood within Scottish Labour is cautiously optimistic. The general election results showed the party can win back seats in Scotland when it gets its message right, and there is a genuine belief that 2026 could be a strong Holyrood election if the right leader is in place.
The membership will be watching closely to see which candidate can best combine strong Holyrood performances with an ability to connect with voters across Scotland, from the central belt to more rural communities where Labour has historically struggled.
A result is expected to be announced within the coming weeks, giving the new leader time to settle in and begin building their team ahead of the new Holyrood term getting fully into gear.