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Labour leader resigns |
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Wednesday, 15 August 2007 |
Former First Minister Jack McConnell has resigned as leader
of the Scottish Labour party, saying “it is time for the rest of my life to
begin.”
McConnell will remain as MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, but will also take up a role leading the Clinton Hunter Development Initiative’s work on developing education in Malawi and Rwanda.McConnell will be appointed next High Commissioner to Malawi, after the current incumbent, Richard Wildash, completes his tour of duty in early 2009. McConnell will also be appointed next High Commissioner to Malawi, after the current incumbent Richard Wildash completes his tour of duty in early 2009.
The opportunity to combine two life-long passions, education and working to eliminate global poverty, especially in Africa, was too good to resist, he said.
“There are few things that would give me more pleasure than the chance to combine those interests while working with good and committed people to make a difference to those whose daily lives involve challenges few of us can truly comprehend.”
McConnell said he was proud of what he had achieved since taking office in November 2001, in what he described as “challenging circumstances.”
“Scotland is a far better place now than it was six years ago. We are more prosperous and more confident as a nation. Our health service is better. Schools across the country are being renewed and teaching and learning are improving. Families and communities are safer and our international reputation has improved. I believe that we have made this progress because we took bold action and addressed many of the real issues that had held Scotland back,” he said.
In terms of what he regretted not being able to achieve, McConnell said:
“If I have one regret it is that we did not win a mandate in May to pursue the radical and comprehensive education reforms I believe are right for Scotland’s future. We had a carefully thought through strategy for Scotland’s success.”
Shadow finance secretary Wendy Alexander is widely tipped to succeed McConnell as Scottish Labour leader.
Commenting on McConnell’s resignation, Conservative leader Annabel Goldie said:
“Whilst the Scottish Conservatives and Jack McConnell disagreed on many aspects of domestic policy, we never doubted his wholehearted commitment to devolution, to the Scottish Parliament and to Scotland.”
One person has commented on this article. 1. Goodbye
Raymond Walker, Unregistered Ah! Jack will be sorely missed by the Conservatives !!
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 15 August 2007 )
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