Former first minister McLeish to quit politics

Scotland's disgraced former first minister, Henry McLeish, announced yesterday that he intends to step down from political life and will not stand in next May's Scottish Parliament elections.

"After 30 years experience of fighting elections, and 28 in public office, I am today announcing my intention to withdraw from elected politics," he said. "I will not stand in the forthcoming Scottish Parliamentary elections."

Mr McLeish made the decision to quit as police investigate the "Officegate" affair, which forced his resignation as First Minister last November and led to Scotland's Labour Party refusing to formally endorse him as a candidate until the matter had been resolved.

The 53-year-old MSP for Central Fife admitted to claiming office expenses from the House of Commons, to which he was entitled as a Westminster MP, while at the same time subletting his constituency premises. He repaid £36,000 to the Westminster authorities but was accused of hypocrisy for reportedly using a "golden handshake" for Scottish MPs who became MSPs after assurances that he would not accept any of the money.