McConnell 'clears air' over adultery

Jack McConnell, the sole candidate to be the next First Minister of Scotland, admitted having an affair.

Jack McConnell, the sole candidate to be the next First Minister of Scotland, admitted having an affair.

The Education Minister said he was forced to "clear the air" after rumours on the state of his marriage threatened his bid for the leadership of the Scottish Labour Party, which is unopposed. Accompanied by his wife of 11 years, Bridget, he said: "I did have an affair seven years ago. At the time I made mistakes, including denying the facts publicly and privately. I let everybody down."

Mr McConnell, 41, said the affair had been an open secret for years. "If I become First Minister it would be very wrong for my family or anybody else to suffer because my behaviour then is still a secret today. The position of First Minister of Scotland is a very serious responsibility and there must be no distractions in that position."

Mrs McConnell, the director of cultural services for Glasgow City Council, said the couple had rebuilt their marriage. "Jack betrayed my trust seven years ago by having an affair. It goes without saying that he hurt everyone involved but I have known the facts for a long time and am glad they are now out in the open."

After the resignation of Henry McLeish from the post of First Minister last week over irregularities in his Westminster expenses, attention was always going to focus on his successor's personal affairs.

Mr McConnell, nicknamed "Jack Flash", could be confirmed First Minister within days. By close of nominations at 5pm yesterday, his was the only name on the ballot.

Under Labour's rules, the electoral procedure, which was due to last three weeks, can be shortened for one candidate.

To be confirmed as party leader, Mr McConnell would have to secure more than 50 per cent of the vote at a meeting of the party's 55 MSPs and the 29-member Scottish executive. Then, on the majority agreement of all MSPs, he would be elected First Minister.

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