McConnell denial fails to stem resignation rumours

A spokesman for Jack McConnell, Labour's Holyrood leader, has claimed he has not made a decision to resign.

Nevertheless, rumours continue to circulate around Scottish political circles that he will step down and receive a nomination from Tony Blair for a peerage.

While the spokesman declared he had "not taken a decision, either way", senior figures within his own party were starting to call for a change with increasing confidence.

Political analysts are increasingly convinced Mr McConnell is in line to appear on Tony Blair's resignation honours list, and that a seat in the House of Lords might tip him towards a resignation.

Eyes are now turning towards Wendy Alexander, former enterprise minister and close ally of Gordon Brown.

Other obvious candidates include Andy Kerr, the former health minister and Margaret Curran, former minister for parliament.