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Premiership of Jack McConnell

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This article is about the events of Jack McConnell's tenure as First Minister of Scotland. For the people in Jack McConnell's governnments, see First McConnell government and Second McConnell government.
Jack McConnell
Premiership of Jack McConnell
22 November 2001 – 16 May 2007
MonarchElizabeth II
Cabinet1st McConnell government
2nd McConnell government
PartyLabour Party in Scotland
Election2003
SeatBute House

Jack McConnell's term as First Minister of Scotland began on 22 November 2001 when he was formally sworn into office at the Court of Session. It followed the resignation of Henry McLeish over the Officegate scandal. His term ended on 16 May 2007, following the defeat of the Scottish Labour Party in the 2007 Scottish Parliament election, where the Scottish National Party formed a minority government.

McConnell entered office amid the aftermath of the Scottish Parliament's first political scandal and suffered fierce opposition.

Scottish Labour leadership bid

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McConnell (second from right) served in the McLeish government under First Minister Henry McLeish

Henry McLeish resigned as First Minister of Scotland and Leader of the Labour Party in Scotland[a] on 8 November 2001 over the Officegate scandal, regarding the sub let of his constituency office. In the resulting search for a leader, Jack McConnell was seen by many political analysts as the likely successor. McConnell had previously contested against McLeish on the 2000 leadership election following the death of Donald Dewar, but lost.[1][2] Other likely candidates included Wendy Alexander and Susan Deacon.[3][4]

McConnell launched his bid to be the next leader and on the 13 November 2001, he emerged as the only candidate to secure the seven nominations needed to run.[5] Left-wing Labour activist, John McAllion, announced his candidacy, however, he only received one nominee from Elaine Smith.[6][7]

On the same day McConnell was announced leader-elect of Scottish Labour, he revealed he had an extra-marital affair seven years prior.[8][9] In a press conference in Edinburgh with his wife, Bridget McConnell, he stated: "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. That is why we are now being open about the fact that I did have an affair seven years ago. At the time I made mistakes, including denying the facts publicly and privately".[10][11]

Although McConnell emerged as the only candidate, he still needed more than 50% of the support of Labour MSPs.[12][13] On 17 November 2001, he was officially elected unopposed as Leader of the Labour Party in Scotland after receiving the support of 97.23% of MSPs.[14] In his acceptance speech, he stated he was "deeply honoured to receive such overwhelming support" and highlighted that much work still needed to be done "to make devolution a success" and achieve "first class public services".[15]

On 22 November 2001, McConnell was elected by the Scottish Parliament to be the next First Minister of Scotland. He had support of his Labour Party and their coalition partner the Liberal Democrats, following talks over concession for electoral reform for local government elections and the abolishment of university tuition fees.[16] McConnell received 70 votes, defeating the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), John Swinney, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, David McLetchie, and Independent MSP, Dennis Canavan, by 34, 19, 3 respectively.[17][18][19][20]

Following his nomination, the First Minister-elect visited London to meet the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. Then after, McConnell attended Buckingham Palace, where he was issued the Royal Warrant of Appointment by Her Majesty the Queen.[21][22] On 27 November 2001, McConnell was officially sworn into office as First Minister of Scotland at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.[23]

As a result of him becoming First Minister, he was appointed Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland and to the Privy Council, earning the title 'The Right Honourable' for life.[24][25]

First term; 2001–2003

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McConnell receives the Royal Warrant of Appointment by Her Majesty the Queen, November 2001

Cabinet appointments

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See also: First McConnell government
First meeting of the McConnell government, November 2001

Shortly after being appointed McConnell began making appointments to his cabinet. Jim Wallace remained in the post of Deputy First Minister and Wendy Alexander and Ross Finnie remained as ministers. Sam Galbraith and Angus MacKay stood down and Jackie Baillie, Sarah Boyack and Tom McCabe were reshuffled out of government, while Susan Deacon was offered the post of social justice minister but refused the offer and moved to the backbenches. Cathy Jamieson, Mike Watson, Malcolm Chisholm, Iain Gray, Patricia Ferguson and Andy Kerr were all promoted to cabinet.[26][27][28]

Domestic affairs

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Sporting event bids

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In February 2002, Scotland joined forces with the Republic of Ireland in a bid to host the 2008 European Football Championship.[29] McConnell was initially unconvinced that it was worth spending around £100 million on the tournament, but he later put his support behind the joint bid with the Irish.

Although the bid lost out to Austria/Switzerland, McConnell later supported other attempts to land major supporting events including London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympic Games[30] and Glasgow's bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.[31]

Education

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In 2002, McConnell pledged that the Scottish Executive would commit to building 100 new schools across Scotland by 2006. In order to achieve this, McConnell advocated for the use of Public Private Partnerships (PPP), stating "we'll work together to sort out how we give people maximum return for every one of their pounds we are spending. Sometimes we'll invest with public capital and sometimes we'll invest with private capital. Let's be clear. We set the standards. We demand the quality and PPPs don't just attract finance; they make sure private contractors deliver hospitals and schools for our communities on time, within budget, well designed and easily maintained". At that time, he advocated that "private finance would facilitate the construction or rebuilding of 100 schools around the country".[32]

In November 2002, McConnell claimed that teachers in Scotland should have the ability to move between primary and secondary schools to assist in the transition of children from primary school to secondary school.[33] One of McConnell's spokesperson said that McConnell had been driven to implement policy changes on the backdrop of "children making the transition can have some problems. The first minister will be setting out the first steps towards addressing what is a problem that has been around for as long as we can remember".[34]

In order to drive standards in Scottish schools, in November 2002, McConnell announced plans that would allow Head Teachers in Scotland to have more authority in regards to setting their own standards and priorities for their respective schools.[35] During this period, McConnell also used his position as First Minister to advocate for schools to provide more vocational education courses to pupils, as well as increased links and partnerships with local colleges and businesses to improve training and educational programmes for young people. Additionally, McConnell advocated for greatest use of specialist teachers in schools to provide learning in subjects including music and sport.[36]

Sectarianism

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McConnell hosting an anti-sectarianism event at Bute House, 2002

In December 2002, McConnell launched his government's campaign against sectarianism.[37] McConnell pledged that his government would:[38]

  • Review local authority powers to act on any abusive behaviour which occur at marches, parades and other events that take place within any local authority in Scotland
  • Commit to review the approaches already in place to tackle sectarian behaviour through the school, university and youth sectors
  • Implement Football Banning Orders as part of the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006
  • Performances of an anti-sectarianism play to "at least" 700 school pupils to take place by the summer of 2006
  • Funding for organisations to carry out research into the effect sectarian behaviour has on the workforce in Scotland if such behaviour is evident in the workplace

2003 Scottish Parliament election

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McConnell was re elected MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw at the Scottish Parliament elections. The Labour Party in Scotland won 50 seats, the largest number, and formed another coalition government with the Liberal Democrats which won 17 seats.

Second term; 2003–2007

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U.S. President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush with McConnell ahead of the 31st G8 summit

Re–appointment

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On 15 May, McConnell was re-appointed First Minister of Scotland and on the same day the Scottish government published A Partnership for a Better Scotland which set out the government's priorities for the four-year term ahead. This was followed by the "Fresh Talent initiative" which was created and developed to focus at addressing the demographic decline in Scotland and ageing Scottish population by attracting young and skilled immigrants, primarily from other European Union countries (such as Poland and Slovakia primarily) to be attracted to Scotland as a place to live and work.

Public smoking ban

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One of McConnell's most famous achievements during his tenure in government was the successful campaign to ban smoking in Scottish public places, such as pubs, public transport and restaurants, making Scotland the first country within the United Kingdom to do so, which lead to McConnell receiving praise for his leadership on this issue, ultimately leading other countries to follow.[39]

31st G8 summit

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McConnell attended the 31st G8 summit which was held in Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland, and welcomed guests invited to the conference to Glasgow Prestwick Airport on arrival.

2007 Scottish Parliament election

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The Scottish Parliament general election of 3 May 2007 saw McConnell re elected as the MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw with a majority of 5,938 votes, representing 48% of the vote with a turnout of 50.3%. The Labour Party in Scotland was defeated by the SNP with the SNP winning 47 seats to Labour's 46, leaving the SNP short of an overall majority in the Parliament.[40]

Resignation

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McConnell left office as First Minister on 16 May 2007, when the Scottish Parliament elected Alex Salmond as his successor.[41] On 17 May 2007, the SNP officially formed the first nationalist Scottish Government and McConnell became Leader of the Opposition.[42] On 15 August 2007, McConnell announced his intention to resign as Scottish Labour Leader.[43]

International relations

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Foreign visits

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# Country Areas visited Dates Details[44]
1  Ireland November 30, 2001 Attended the British-Irish Council
2  USA Washington D.C.
New York City 		April 3, 2002 – April 10 Ministers attended a series of Tartan Day events in New York and Washington DC
3  Belgium June 5, 2002 – June 6 Gave a speech on the Future of Europe, opened a new art exhibition in Scotland House and met with senior European Union figures.
4  South Africa 30 August, 2002–4 September Attended World Summit on Sustainable Development conference and Jack McConnell held a series of meetings with attending politicians
5  Belgium 13 July 2003–15 July Met Commission President Romano Prodi, Commissioners Neil Kinnock and Margot Wallström, and Bart Somers, the Minister President of Flanders. Also met Sir Nigel Sheinwald, and attended a Committee of the Regions Constitution Committee.
6  Belgium
 Italy 		Brussels
Rome 		19 October, 2003–22 October Attended Informal Council meeting on Regional Policy in Rome and held series of meetings in Brussels.
7  Austria 10 November, 2003 – 12 November Attended the REGLEG Ministers-Presidents conference.
8  France 17 February, 2004 – 19 February Meeting with French Ministers Sarkozy, Plagnol and Lenoir; launch of Entente Cordiale; and SDI related meetings.
8  France 22 March, 2004 – 23 March Gave address to the Spring session of the CLRAE Chamber of Regions Jack McConnell on the work of REGLEG.
9  USA Washington D.C.
New York 		3 April, 2004 – 8 April Attended a series of Tartan Day events in New York and Washington DC.
10  Belgium Brussels 9 May, 2004 – 10 May Attended the 3rd European Commission Cohesion, also attended a series of events around the Forum, Brussels.
11  Germany Berlin 26 May, 2004 – 27 May The Minister attended a conference on subsidiarity, organised jointly by the Bundesrat and the Committee of the Regions, Berlin
12  Greece Athens 21 August, 2004 – 25 August Attended the 2004 Olympic Games and attended a Fresh Talent event organised with the British Embassy and British Council.
13  Ireland Dublin 30 August, 2004 – 31 August The Ministers held discussions with the Irish Health Minister and officials regarding the Irish smoking ban, Dublin.
14  Belgium
 Netherlands 		Brussels
Arnhem 		17 September, 2004 – 19 September The Minister attended the Fête de Wallonie, Brussels as Scotland was the chosen as the focal country for the 2004 event. McConnell then travelled to Arnhem where he attended a memorial service followed by a reception.
15  China Beijing 10 October, 2004 – 15 October The Minister visited Beijing and Shanghai to promote Scottish business, cultural, and tourist links with China.
16  Belgium Brussels 8 November, 2004 – 9 November Attended the Scottish EU office event on European Governance, as a part of the programme for the First Minister's Presidency of REGLEG, Brussels.
17  France Paris 2 February, 2005 The Minister attended an afternoon commemorative concert and reception for the Scottish Women's Hospitals for Foreign Service which was also attended by HRH The Princess Royal.
18  Italy 7 April, 2005 – 8 April The Minister attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II in Rome
19  Malawi 22 April, 2005 – 28 April The Minister undertook a series of visits and meetings to promote and enhance Scotland's links with Malawi.
20  Belgium 12 October, 2005 – 13 October The Minister undertook a series of meetings at the EU Commission and attended events in Scotland House, Brussels.
21  USA
 Canada 		New York
Toronto
Ottawa 		24 October, 2005 – 27 October The Minister undertook a series of engagements in New York, Toronto and Ottawa to promote Scottish business, share best practice in public policy and to engage with senior politicians and Scottish Diaspora.
22  Germany Munich 21 November, 2005 – 22 November The Minister attended the annual REGLEG conference, Munich
23  Australia
 China 		Melbourne
Beijing 		9 March, 2006 – 27 March The Minister attended the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and give support to the Scottish Team. He undertook a series of events to support Glasgow's bid for the 2014 Games. Engaged in meetings with a range of political leaders. In Beijing, the Minister undertook a series of meetings/events and visits.
24  USA Washington D.C.
New York 		2 April, 2006 – 9 April The Minister travelled to USA where he undertook a series of engagements as part of the Tartan Week delegation. The Programme covered events in Washington and New York.
25  Ireland 22 September, 2006 – 23 September The Minister travelled to Dublin to support Scotland in the Ryder Cup
26  USA Los Angeles
San Francisco
Washington D.C. 		14 October, 2006 – 22 October The Minister travelled to the USA for a series of business, political and educational visits in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington. The programme also included attending a Dressed to Kilt event.
27  Ireland Dublin 12 November, 2006 – 13 November The Minister travelled to Dublin and made a joint declaration to commit Scotland and Ireland to work together on a number of issues, one of which was science and education.
28  Belgium Brussels 20 March, 2007 The Minister travelled to Brussels to meet with Vice President of the European Commission Margot Wallström

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "BBC NEWS | In Depth | McLeish resignation | Profile: Jack McConnell". news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  2. ^ "BBC NEWS | In Depth | Donald Dewar | Leadership win for McLeish". news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  3. ^ "BBC News – SCOTLAND – Search begins for new first minister". Archived from the original on 16 March 2004.
  4. ^ "Starting gun sounds in leadership race". 8 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  5. ^ "Free run shortens leadership race". 13 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  6. ^ "McConnell to be next first minister". the Guardian. 13 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  7. ^ "Dapper Jack dominates Holyrood life". 16 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  8. ^ "Jack betrayed my trust Wife reveals hurt as McConnell becomes leader in waiting". HeraldScotland. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  9. ^ "McConnell admits to affair". 13 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  10. ^ "Scotland first-minister-to-be admits affair". the Guardian. 14 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  11. ^ "Jack McConnell: Personal statement". 13 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  12. ^ "Scottish Labour in leadership vote". 17 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  13. ^ "Date set for Labour leader vote". 14 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  14. ^ "McConnell's clear run to the top job". 22 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  15. ^ "McConnell sets priorities for office". 17 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  16. ^ "McConnell gains Lib Dem support". 20 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  17. ^ "McConnell: "Time to deliver"". 22 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  18. ^ "McConnell elected first minister". 22 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  19. ^ "Jack elected in a flash". 23 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  20. ^ "McConnell appointed Scotland's first minister". the Guardian. 22 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  21. ^ "Royal warrant for first minister-elect". 26 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  22. ^ "McConnell receives the Royal Warrant". 6 June 2002. Archived from the original on 6 June 2002. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
  23. ^ "McConnell becomes Scottish premier today". The Irish Times. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  24. ^ "Privy Counsellors". Privy Council Office. Archived from the original on 13 September 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  25. ^ "Privy Council Held On 14th March 2001" (PDF). Privy Council Office Secretariat. Archived from the original on 3 November 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  26. ^ "McConnell in radical cabinet shake-up". 27 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  27. ^ "Who's who in the Scottish Cabinet". 28 November 2001. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  28. ^ "First Cabinet Meeting". 14 November 2002. Archived from the original on 14 November 2002. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
  29. ^ "Joint Euro 2008 bid goes ahead".
  30. ^ "London 2012 News". Archived from the original on 9 May 2006.
  31. ^ "Commonwealth Games Bid Glasgow 2014". Archived from the original on 20 May 2007.
  32. ^ Khan, Stephen (24 February 2002). "McConnell beats off union revolt". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  33. ^ Correspondent, By Angus Macleod, Scottish Political (4 May 2024). "Schools must give quality to all, says McConnell". Retrieved 4 May 2024. {{cite web}}: |last1= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  34. ^ "McConnell puts new spotlight on education". The Herald. 4 November 2002. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  35. ^ "McConnell puts new spotlight on education". The Herald. 4 November 2002. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  36. ^ "McConnell puts new spotlight on education". The Herald. 4 November 2002. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  37. ^ "A Nation of Opportunity, Not a State of Fear". Archived from the original on 7 June 2011.
  38. ^ "SECTARIANISM : BREAKING DOWN THE BARRIERS" (PDF). EIS. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
  39. ^ Leydier, Gilles (18 November 2019). "The Scottish First Ministers from 1999 to 2014: Role, Power and Leadership". Revue Française de Civilisation Britannique. French Journal of British Studies. XXIV (XXIV-4). doi:10.4000/rfcb.4897 – via journals.openedition.org.
  40. ^ Timeline: Scottish elections 2007, BBC News, 4 May 2007.
  41. ^ "Salmond elected as first minister". BBC News. 16 May 2007.
  42. ^ "Former minister returns to join Scottish shadow cabinet". the Guardian. 18 May 2007.
  43. ^ "McConnell quits Labour leadership". BBC News. 15 August 2007. Archived from the original on 19 August 2017..
  44. ^ https://www.gov.scot/publications/?term=first%20minister%20&cat=filter&publicationTypes=foi-eir-release&page=1

Notes

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  1. ^ Prior to the 2011 Boyack-Murphy review, Scottish Labour was officially called the Labour Party in Scotland until the review change.

Citations

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