Fagan said the leadership campaign was about "more than understanding what went wrong" for the party.

"It is about what Labour does next," he said.

"It is about respecting work, backing our communities and giving working people real power over the future, not asking them simply to live with decisions made elsewhere."

He said he did not recognise the description of the party as "nasty" and when asked about Lennon's criticisms in relation to trans rights, he said: "We need to go forward with compassion, we don't punch down on anyone."

Marra said he was "humbled" to be on the ballot and looked forward to a "good spirited and comradely contest".

He added: "The next leader of Scottish Labour has a huge task: to unite our party, rediscover our soul and reconnect with Scotland.

"I am the candidate who can do that."

The North East Scotland MSP offered his commiserations to Lennon, who he described as "one of the most formidable and effective campaigners the Labour movement has".

Sarwar, who had led the party since 2021, declined to endorse a candidate during an Edinburgh Fringe event earlier this month.

But he warned the contenders and their teams against infighting.

Since his exit Dame Jackie Baillie has been acting leader of Scottish Labour.

As of last year, new rules prevent politicians from sitting at both Westminster and Holyrood at the same time.

There will not be a by-election for Sarwar's Holyrood seat as he was elected via the regional list.

Monica Lennon, who had been in the Scottish Parliament for a decade but was not re-elected in May, is the next name on the Glasgow list.

The winner of the leadership contest will be announced on 19 September.