13 May 2005
The coalition between Labour and the Liberal Democrats in Scotland might be in jeopardy following the surprise announcement by LibDem leader Jim Wallace, who is also deputy first minister, that he is standing down.
His decision, and the timing of it this week, shocked his colleagues as it followed the party's best general election result in 80 years. The LibDems won 11 seats and became Scotland's second largest party with a 22% share of the vote.
Wallace, 50, who has been leader for 13 years, said he had been considering his position for some time and wanted to make way for fresh talent. He said: 'I always think it's probably better that you go when people are saying, “why are you going?” rather than “when is he going?” '
Some party MSPs believe that the strengthened Lib Dems would be more effective by distancing themselves from the Labour majority.
But Wallace believes the party should not try to dismantle a coalition in which the Lib Dems can claim some significant achievements. These include persuading Labour to accept initiatives such as free personal care for the elderly, the abolition of up-front tuition fees, the introduction of proportional representation in local government and the planned restoration of free dental and eye checks.
Wallace is almost certain to be succeeded by Transport Minister Nicol Stephen, MSP for Aberdeen South and a former Westminster MP, who has confirmed that he will stand for the post.
The decision of Deputy Finance Minister Tavish Scott not to contest the leadership clears the way for Stephen, although another MSP, Mike Rumbles, an opponent of the coalition with Labour, might stand.
If elected, Stephen would take over at the end of June. Wallace intends to continue as the MSP for Orkney until the next Scottish Parliament election in 2007.
As deputy first minister, he has been a loyal supporter of the coalition Executive since its inception at the first Scottish Parliament elections in 1999.
He has served as deputy to three first ministers – the late Donald Dewar, Henry McLeish and Jack McConnell, the current first minister. He is also minister for enterprise.
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