Neil Findlay's bid to become Scottish Labour leader gained momentum yesterday as Unite became the latest union to rally behind him.

Unite Scotland secretary Pat Raffety endorsed the "impressive" MSP after detailed discussions among workers' reps on the union's political committee.

"In Neil we are confident that our members will find a leader who not only understands their concerns but will fight doggedly on their behalf," he said.

"They can be assured that Neil is on their side."

Unite became the fifth union to come out in support of Mr Findlay, following endorsements from Unison and BFAWU and rail unions TSSA and Aslef.

When nominations closed on Tuesday, Jim Murphy had won the majority of support from MPs, MSPs and MEPs.

But neither of Mr Findlay's rival candidates - Progress-backed Mr Murphy and fellow MSP Sarah Boyack - have received union support.

Welcoming the news, Mr Findlay said: "I'm delighted to have the backing of an organisation central to the Scottish labour movement, the trade union I'm proud to be a member of.

"I'm obviously pleased that I have the confidence and trust of Unite and other unions as well as a fast-growing number of Labour Party members in driving forward ideas and policies that will deliver a better life for working people in Scotland."

The results of a Unite poll of more than 5,000 members conducted earlier this week showed 78 per cent want the next Scottish Labour leader to be an MSP.

But they also showed that more than half of members who voted Labour at the last general election do not plan to do so in May.

The shocking results fire another warning shot at Labour after a string of polls showed it could lose dozens of MPs to the SNP.

Mr Findlay "offers the best hope for the renewal of the Labour Party with the communities of Scotland," Mr Rafferty added.

Unite and Aslef also swung behind left MP Katy Clark in her battle with young MSP Kezia Dugdale for the deputy leadership.

Aslef leader Mick Whelan said: "She understands what Labour needs to do to get elected, at Holyrood and at Westminster, and what we need to do to get this country back on track."