Date: 13 Aug 2008

UNISON's Scottish LabourLink nominates Cathy Jamieson MSP and Bill Butler MSP

Following a meeting with all the leadership candidates last night UNISON LabourLink Scotland has decided to nominate Cathy Jamieson MSP for Leader, and Bill Butler MSP for Deputy Leader of Labour in the Scottish Parliament.

Pat Rowland Chair of UNISON LabourLink Scotland said: "We heard a series of excellent presentations from all the candidates in this important election and were impressed by the range of ideas and the quality of all the candidates. However, the Committee overwhelmingly believes that Cathy Jamieson and Bill Butler best reflect the key Labour values that UNISON believes the Party has to champion if Labour is to retain the support of working people."

ENDS

For Further Information Please Contact: Dave Watson (Scottish LabourLink Officer) 07958 122 409 (m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729(m)

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Cathy Jamieson today welcomed the support of UNISON, one of Scotland's largest trade unions, which last night nominated her for Leadership of Labour in the Scottish Parliament. UNISON has significant membership in local government, the health service and the voluntary sector.

She said "I welcome this support. UNISON is a campaigning union with an active membership and I want to see that type of energy brought into the Labour Party. I am determined that the voice of those trade unionists who affiliate to the Labour Party will be heard. The Labour Party needs to reconnect with those whom it represents."

Pat Rowland, Chair of UNISON LabourLink Scotland said, "UNISON believes that Cathy Jamieson reflects the key Labour values that The Labour Party has to champion if Labour is to retain the support of working people."

Cathy Jamieson said she is exactly where she expected to be at this stage of the campaign. "I am heartened by the widespread expressions of support from grass roots members. When the votes cast at nomination meetings are added up across Scotland, it shows that I am well placed in this contest. I have always anticipated that my support would come from grass roots Labour Party and trade union members. I am determined to give them a voice. The Labour Party needs to change and I will be taking this message to the ballot."

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