Labour's Scottish leader resigns in wake of abuse claims

Alex Rowley, the acting leader of the Labour Party in Scotland, stood down from his role on Wednesday after a former partner made allegations of abuse against him.

The Labour Party announced that Rowley had "referred himself to the party's internal complaints procedure".

The woman, who had yet to be identified, referred to her relationship with Rowley as one of "emotional blackmail and abuse".

Rowley, who had been the party's top man in Scotland after the resignation of Kezia Dugdale in August, denied the allegations.

The Labour Party was set to elect a new leader on Saturday 18 November.