It was a great honour to be elected in September, alongside Johann Lamont as Deputy Leader.
 
The leadership election over the summer was a good experience for the party as candidate’s criss-crossed the country, speaking to party members at local level. I was very grateful that both Cathy Jamieson and Andy Kerr then agreed to join my shadow cabinet.

Likewise Wendy Alexander, my predecessor, has continued to expose the SNP through her new role on the economy committee. I want to place on record my thanks to them, and the whole MSP group for their support over my first six months in office.

Colin Smyth and his team at John Smith House did a marvellous job in organising the leadership election – but also faced two by-elections in quick succession. They deserve the thanks of the whole party for their efforts. Big challenges lie ahead for us all in the coming year but Labour has not flinched from the task and our core values have never been more appropriate for dealing with the problems Scotland faces.

Labour has not stood by in the face of the credit crunch, banking crisis and the economic downturn. Labour has stepped in to support hardworking families, protect pensioners and mortgage holders along with services for the most vulnerable. We have continued to invest in the future through skills and training. Radical action by the Prime Minister and the Chancellor in response to the banking crisis has been widely recognised both at home and abroad as giving a global lead. By contrast, the SNP at Holyrood have failed Scotland.

Far from bringing forward capital investment to boost the economy, they have allowed their failed Futures Trust to hold up schools hospitals and housing. Instead of boosting training and raising levels of skills, they have cut training and apprenticeship programmes.

Labour MSPs have argued the case day in day out for Scotland’s workers to have the same protection, and Scotland’s young people the same opportunities, as their counterparts in the rest of the country. This is not a time to be afraid. We have proved we are serious people for serious times, prepared to take bold and decisive action, unlike our critics.

A key lesson over the last year has been that our unity is our strength. Losing Glasgow East in spite of Margaret Curran’s outstanding efforts was a hard lesson, but Labour MSPs, MPs, councillors and activists responded by pulling together, showing resilience and winning a famous victory in Glenrothes.

The electorate, in the only poll that ever really counts, wanted to discuss cuts in local services, their worries about SNP plans for a local income tax, and the banking crisis. The campaign was fought – and won - on politics at all levels - Fife council, Holyrood and Westminster. The do-nothing Tories and the incompetent SNP were exposed. Labour, though, listened to the electorate and they responded to our message.

I was delighted to join the new Secretary of State for Scotland, Jim Murphy, in the Glenrothes campaign. Jim has proven a great support in the early months of my leadership and we will continue to work together for the good of Scotland. Scottish Labour is the only party at Holyrood prepared to defend public services and fight cuts in order to protect the most vulnerable, the old, the disabled, the young. Labour is the only party arguing for protection for workers and opportunities for our young people.

We recognise our responsibility to the people of Scotland and stand up for their interests, to work for a fairer Scotland where we look out for each other, protect the vulnerable, work towards ending child poverty and give a hand up to those who need it. There will be tough times ahead but we are all in this together and with the right spirit, right attitude and right policies we can achieve much more for Scotland. Scotland’s values are Labour values and they have never been more important or relevant than right now.