Former Scottish Labour leader Henry McLeish has called on the party to break away from UK Labour.

McLeish, who served as First Minister for just over one year from 2000 to 2001, said it is "essential" for his party to become independent after the Brexit vote.

He said: "In the short-term we will be wrapped up in the leadership campaign.

"We need now to think beyond the next two months and prepare for every eventuality in Scotland and Britain as the political fall-out from June 23 continues and uncertainty deepens.

"Scotland could see Home Rule, a form of federalism, independence or some other, as yet unknown, four-nation constitutional solution.

"Regardless of the outcome, an Independent Labour Party (ILP) in Scotland is essential.

"The ILP imprint would send a powerful message of Scottish identity and politically-distinctive policies. This is the time for the Scottish party to act".

The former MSP and MP has been an outspoken critic of Scottish Labour's approach to the constitution for some years.

In response to McLeish's comments, Scottish Labour said it is becoming "more autonomous" but it values "being part of a UK-wide family".

A party spokesman said: "The process of becoming an even more autonomous party is currently underway, something that was kick-started when Kezia Dugdale was first elected leader. Under Kez's leadership there is no doubt that she is in charge of what happens in Scottish Labour.

"We value being part of a UK-wide Labour family, though. Members across the whole of the Labour Party believe that by the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more together than we can achieve alone.

"That's why our UK-wide organisation will continue."