Jack McConnell quits as Scottish Labour leader
Wednesday, 15 Aug 2007 14:47
Jack McConnell became leader in 2001
Jack McConnell has announced his resignation as leader of the Scottish Labour party.
The 47-year-old former first minister will remain as MSP for Motherwell & Wishaw, which he describes as "a pleasure and a privilege".
His resignation had been expected in many quarters following Labour's defeat to the Scottish National party (SNP) in May's election.
Former enterprise minister Wendy Alexander has been widely tipped as his likely successor.
Mr McConnell has been appointed as the next British high commissioner to Malawi and he has also accepted a voluntary role to work with the Clinton Hunter Development Initiative to improve education in Malawi and Rwanda.
He became leader of Labour in Scotland in November 2001 and since that time Mr McConnell believes Scotland has become "a far better place" in terms of health, education and the economy.
"All my life I've wanted a Scottish parliament, and a chance to change Scotland. I'm pleased to have made my contribution to that," he said.
"I am very excited to bring together my other two life long passions; education to release human potential and ending poverty in Africa. In fact – I can't wait to get started. It is time for the rest of my life to begin."
In a parting message for Labour MSPs, he said: "The Scottish Labour party needs to respond to the election defeat in May and hear what the Scottish people had to tell us.
"We need to re-engage with our people to develop the policies and the approach which will rebuild our support, because those with the least need us to be successful."
Mr McConnell added: "If I have one regret it is that we did not win mandate 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.
"I hope Labour MSPs are able to push for at least some of those education policies to be implemented in the next four years."