SCOTTISH Labour leader Anas Sarwar insisted yesterday that the party was backing his campaign message of unity despite concerns over candidate selections in Glasgow. 

Mr Sarwar was asked whether calling for unity among the Scottish people was hypocritical when some within Labour had been sidelined for defending internal party democracy and Scotland’s right to self-determination. 

Eleven officers at Glasgow Kelvin Constituency Labour Party resigned from their roles in March after locally selected candidate Hollie Cameron was replaced, having said she “respects the right” to have a referendum on independence. 

Mr Sarwar stressed that while he did not support independence or the holding of a referendum, the final say over candidate selection lies with Labour’s Scottish Executive. 

The party leader said Labour expected candidates to support its manifesto, adding: “We can only preach unity to the country if we demonstrate unity ourselves. 

“We are united as a party going into this election, all of our candidates are on the same wavelength that we believe we need to focus on recovery, building a fairer and stronger Scotland.” 

Mr Sarwar said his message had so far been well received, and said he thought it would also resonate with the Morning Star’s readership. 

The Scottish Labour leader spoke to journalists yesterday afternoon as the party continues its Scottish Parliamentary election campaign, unveiling plans for a “Clean Up Holyrood” Commission. 

Mr Sarwar said his party would consult on ideas to win back the trust of the Scottish people, including the introduction of an independent ethics commission to oversee the Scottish government, as well as reforms to freedom of information legislation. 

Labour would also introduce parliamentary privilege at Holyrood for MSPs and elections for committee convener roles in the Scottish Parliament.