McConnell stands down as Scottish Labour leader

McConnell to focus on education

Wednesday, 15, Aug 2007 12:00

Jack McConnell has resigned as leader of the Scottish Labour party.

The former first minister's position has been questioned since the SNP's election victory in May and the 47-year-old confirmed today he would stand down as leader of the party.

Mr McConnell will now concentrate on an education project to help children in poor countries.

He is expected to remain as an MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, although he is increasingly tipped for a seat in the House of Lords.

Standing down today, Mr McConnell told reporters: "It is an honour to have led Labour in Scotland since the early years of devolution.

"But today, after accepting an offer last week to help improve education for some of the poorest children in the world, I am resigning from my position as Labour leader in Scotland with immediate effect."

Wendy Alexander, the former enterprise minister, is widely tipped to succeed Mr McConnell as Labour leader.

It is not yet known, however, if she will enjoy a "coronation" in the same way as Gordon Brown.

Former health minister Andy Kerr has not ruled out the possibility of standing. Rumours in recent weeks also suggest a backbencher was prepared to challenge Mr McConnell if he did not stand down.

The 47-year-old leader was credited with stabilising the Scottish parliament after a difficult first two years.

Mr McConnell insisted he would remain as leader following Labour's defeat to Alex Salmond's SNP in May, but this became increasingly untenable as his opposition was criticised as lacklustre.