Scottish Labour's Kezia Dugdale confirms relationship with SNP MSP

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale has revealed she is in a relationship with an SNP politician.

Ms Dugdale, 35, said she has been dating Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP Jenny Gilruth for around four months.

Ms Gilruth, 32, worked as a teacher before being elected to the Scottish Parliament in May last year.

In a joint statement, the couple said: "We don't consider this to be 'news' - but we appreciate others might and we want to go about our daily lives normally.

"We would like to thank our friends, family and colleagues for their kindness over the past few months and for their love and support.

"We'd politely ask that our privacy is respected because while we are both politicians, we are also human beings - in a new relationship, which we cherish."

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon showed her support for the pair on Twitter, saying it proves "love really does conquer all".

A close friend of the couple said: "Kez and Jenny are so happy together and make a great couple. They share much in common, but like so many couples they differ over their politics - which is something they will always agree to disagree on."