Jim Murphy formally quit as Scottish Labour leader yesterday after introducing “dramatic” changes for the party.
Mr Murphy, who lost his seat as MP at the General Election, announced he was standing down in May after just six turbulent months in charge.
Yesterday, Scottish Labour’s Executive Committee voted to accept the reforms he has suggested.
The former East Renfrewshire MP presided over a disastrous election campaign with Labour losing all but one seat in Scotland.
After his shock resignation which he used to launch a blistering attack on Unite boss Len McCluskey he vowed to reform the party.
Speaking at a press conference in Glasgow yesterday he said: “The most difficult thing for any party to realise after a defeat is that it has to change.”
Mr Murphy said the party has agreed to five proposals set down by him in a report which include operating a one person, one vote system for the leadership election.
This replaces the electoral college system which required a majority vote in at least two out of three blocks, comprising elected members, ordinary members and unions.
Mr Murphy also said the party would open its selection process for the Regional Lists to attract the widest possible range of candidates for the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections and end the current “unfair, closed shop” process.
He added: “The Labour Party has a little known rule where we can waive the qualifying period to allow supporters to become members then candidates. We have agreed today that we should make much more of this.”
“We want business people, charity workers, NHS staff and many others who support Labour to stand for Labour even if up until now they never felt able to join Labour.
“I believe the reforms we put in place today will stand my successor in good stead and offer the chance of renewal for our party.”
Mr Murphy also said he would not seek a future career in the Labour Party.
He said: “As for myself, I will leave the stage.
“I will be a source of discreet advice if asked for it by my successor and I will always be a faithful servant of the party that I love so much.”
Kezia Dugdale, the current Scottish Labour deputy leader, is seen as the hot favourite to replace Murphy.
Ken Mackintosh, MSP for Eastwood, is also running for the top job.
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