// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Michael Marra announced as new Scottish Labour leader
Michael Marra has been announced as the next Scottish Labour leader.
He received 4266 votes from Labour members, compared with Joe Fagan's 2485.
Almost half of party members turned out to vote in the leadership contest.
Marra takes over as leader following Anas Sarwar's decision to stand down in order to take up a seat in the House of Lords.
Speaking after the votes were read out, Marra said: "It is the honour of my life to be elected leader of the Scottish Labour Party.
"To be entrusted with the leadership of our Scottish Labour Party is a singular honour and a great responsibility.
"I am grateful for your trust and take on the duty of advancing our cause of a fairer, more equal Scotland with all that I can possibly give."
Michael Marra addresses the crowd after his is announced as new Scottish Labour leader
He went on to thank his opponents, Joe Fagan and Monica Lennon, and praised them for their ideas about how the party needed to change.
He said: "Joe argued for a politics rooted in people and place, for less control in the centre and more control for local communities. That should be the case in our country and in our party.