Here are the values that drive new Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra – Jackie Baillie

Both Michael and Joe fought positive and principled campaigns and I thank them both for their work. I know that Joe will continue to do a fantastic job standing up for his constituents and fighting for Labour values in the Scottish Parliament.

Now Michael is no stranger to Scottish politics. A former Scottish Labour finance and education spokesperson, he is also a former lecturer in economics and head of policy and public affairs for charity Oxfam.

But it's not just an intellectual heft that Michael brings to his new role. And it's not just his deep understanding of Scotland's economy and public services that will ensure he thrives.

READ MORE: Michael Marra vows to put education at the heart of Scottish politics

‘Lead with our values’

Beyond all else, he is driven by a moral mission to improve lives here in Scotland. In his acceptance speech, Michael laid out his driving mission: “We must be clear in our values. We must lead with our values. Social justice. The eradication of poverty in our society. Good work, good housing, good public services. The good life for working people, not struggling for a holiday once a year or a pint once a week.

"An economy where everyone has a fair chance in life, which redistributes power, wealth and opportunity – that’s what Labour is for."

It was Harold Wilson who said that the Labour party was a moral crusade or it was nothing, but it is clear that these timeless values remain at the heart of our movement. And they are needed now more than ever.

READ MORE: Michael Marra: Labour trying to appeal to a Scotland that no longer exists

Eradicate child poverty

Here in Scotland we are miles off reaching our child poverty reduction targets. Our public services are failing too many Scots. And the latest statistics show that record numbers of Scottish children are living in temporary accommodation. This demands action from all of us.

That's why the first thing Michael did as Labour leader was to write to the First Minister, John Swinney, to address the need to tackle child poverty and to call for a new commission to be set up to eradicate it.

And that is why Michael forced a vote in Scottish Parliament, pressing the SNP government to recommit to its pledge to get child poverty rates below 10 per cent by 2030. Social justice is front and centre of his new approach to politics.

READ MORE: Here's what Michael Marra needs to do to restore Scottish Labour's fortunes

A positive vision for Scotland

First impressions matter and I am delighted and proud that Michael has chosen the central mission of the Labour movement – the eradication of poverty and hardship – as his opening gambit to the country.

Now it falls to every one of us – across all parties – to work together to make sure we can do what is needed to end the scourge of child poverty and give every young Scot the best chance in life.

As deputy leader of Scottish Labour party, I will be with Michael every step of the way as we set out a positive vision for Scotland rooted in Labour values.

Jackie Baillie is MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour’s deputy leader and her party’s spokesperson for health