ANAS SARWAR’S chief of staff Kate Watson has been named as Scottish Labour’s new general secretary.

Ms Watson had previously served as director of operations at Better Together, the official No campaign in 2014’s referendum on separation, before going on to work for former foreign secretary Douglas Alexander’s consultancy Consequiter.

A candidate for the party in Glasgow East at both the 2017 and 2019 general elections, Ms Watson had faced allegations in 2018 of membership of the British Army’s 77th Brigade, which concerns itself with intelligence, psychological and influencing operations.

Thanking outgoing general secretary John-Paul McHugh for his efforts, Mr Sarwar said Ms Watson was “perfectly suited” to the role and would bring a “wealth of experience.”

He said: “Now we have gotten rid of one failing government, our focus is on the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

“Kate’s appointment demonstrates that we are getting election ready.”

Ms Watson said: “It is fantastic to take on this new role at such a pivotal time for our party and our country.

“I am excited to continue working to build on the strong legacy left behind by John-Paul McHugh and take our party into the 2026 election.”