Jim Murphy (with new deputy leader Kezia Dugdale, above) has vowed to defeat 'arrogant' SNP leaders Former Cabinet Minister Jim Murphy became Scottish Labour leader yesterday – vowing to defeat ‘arrogant’ Scottish Nationalist leaders Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon. Talking to The Mail on Sunday, Murphy: Murphy, 47, who achieved a decisive victory over union-backed rival Neil Findlay, succeeds Johann Lamont who was forced to quit after failing to stop the party’s plummeting ratings in Scotland. The former Secretary of State for Scotland is giving up his Westminster seat to lead a Labour fightback. If he succeeds, it could help Mr Miliband win next year’s General Election.
@highlight
Former Cabinet Minister Jim Murphy is the new Scottish Labour leader
@highlight
The politician has vowed to defeat the Scottish Nationalist Party
@highlight
Said many Scots are 'scunnered' to have David Cameron as Prime Minister
@highlight
Criticised Alex Salmond for returning to Westminster for a third time
@highlight
Said Salmond ‘lacked courage, was simplistic’ and accused Sturgeon of ‘ignoring’ Scots who voted to stay part of the UK.
@highlight
Vowed to stand up for Scots who feel ‘scunnered’ – a Scottish term for being fed up – with being ruled by David Cameron.
@highlight
Pledged to stop the SNP hijacking the St Andrew’s flag.
@highlight
Accused Unite union boss Len McCluskey, who tried to stop him becoming leader, of ‘insulting’ Labour supporters.
@highlight
Claimed a Labour-SNP deal to put Ed Miliband in No 10 was unlikely because the SNP would demand Scottish independence.
‘@placeholder has been magnanimous in victory in the referendum, the SNP has been victorious in defeat.