Mr Rooney has not confirmed whether he or any West Dunbartonshire Council Labour elected members will stand but expects others across the country to.

The change was pushed through by outgoing Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy, who announced his resignation today, Monday, June 15.

Mr Rooney said: “The main focus of Labour councillors in West Dunbartonshire is to improve the quality of our services and create opportunities for investment and jobs.

“There are many talented individuals within the Labour Party, particularly amongst councillors and I would expect at least one councillor to throw their hat in the ring for such an important job.

“The rule change illustrates this fact and I welcome the fact that councillors are now eligible to be nominated for the role of Deputy Leader of the Scottish Labour Party.” Meanwhile in Glasgow, Labour leader Gordon Matheson has entered the contest and over the river in Inverclyde, Stephen McCabe has said he will stand.

Mr Matheson, who was elected leader of Glasgow City Council in 2010, said he offered a “distinct combination of experience and change” as he threw his hat in the ring to be the victor’s deputy.

He cited achievements in Glasgow including Labour’s victory at the 2012 local government elections under his leadership, the success of the “best-ever” 2014 Commonwealth Games and the agreement of the largest City Deal in the UK.

Mr Matheson said: “The Scottish Labour Party needs to stop feeling sorry for itself and instead focus on the concerns of the people of Scotland.

“I have successfully led Scotland’s largest city for over five years. But because I’m not an MSP I offer a fresh perspective on the national political scene.

“It is when times are tough that mettle is shown. I am under no illusions as to the challenges ahead for the Scottish Labour Party but I’m up for the fight because I believe in Labour values.

“I welcome the opportunity of the leadership campaign to discuss with party members and wider society the changes the Labour Party needs to make if we are to regain trust.

“I hope to serve the people of Glasgow and Scotland in this new role, and support the next leader of the Scottish Labour Party.” Kezia Dugdale MSP has resigned from the deputy role and confirmed her intention to stand for Scottish Labour leader at the exeuctive committee meeting on Saturday, June 13.

She will face competition from Eastwood MSP Ken McIntosh.

Nominations for the election of a new leader and deputy leader will close on Friday, June 19, with the results announced on Saturday, August 15.