16 November 2001
Scotland's ruling party has been spared the public bloodletting that was widely predicted over the leadership contest after Henry McLeish resigned, but has been criticised for failing to drum up a candidate to challenge Education Minister Jack McConnell.
Deputy Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm and Dundee East MSP John McAllion both failed to glean the necessary seven nominations before the 5pm deadline on November 13. McConnell received 33 nominations from his fellow Labour MSPs.
Scottish National Party deputy leader Roseanna Cunningham described the walkover as 'utterly pathetic and deeply damaging for democracy'. She added: 'Is it indicative of the dearth of talent and ability on New Labour's benches that they cannot find someone who is willing to stand against Jack the Lad to give the impression that at least there is some kind of contest?'
The contest was prompted by McLeish's resignation over the 'Officegate' expenses row.
McConnell bowed to the puritanism of the post-McLeish era and held a Clintonian press conference with his wife Bridget on the day nominations closed. He confessed to having an affair seven years ago which 'caused significant hurt to a number of people'.
The Labour Party has cancelled its plans to send out 412,000 ballot papers to its full electoral college. Labour's 29-member Scottish executive committee and 55 MSPs will now meet on November 17. McConnell will become leader if he wins their majority backing. The former leader of Stirling District Council will then be nominated for the post of first minister.
PFnov2001
