Jack McConnell
Jack McConnell - former First Minister of Scotland - has finally done the right thing by announcing that he is standing down as the MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw.
Jack McConnell was made a life peer earlier this year and now sits in the House of Lords - so it was really untenable for him to remain as an MSP - which is a full-time job.
Jack has come in for a lot of criticism recently - in certain quarters - but what should be remembered is his contribution to changing the face of Scotland and Scottish politics for the good.
Because Jack was the leader of the Scottish Labour party in the crucial period before 1999 - when the Scottish Parliament was finally established.
He supported a more representative parliament - and a form of PR in the shape of the additional member system - which is not perfect, but gives all parties a fair shake.
And Jack McConnell also supported the big shake up in Scottish councils - which also provided for fairer representation at local level.
Ending the old first past the post system - which ensured Labour was in complete control of many councils - with virtually no opposition to speak of in areas Glasgow and Lanarkshire.
At least we now have a Parliament that broadly reflects the views of the Scottish people - and we also have local councils which - though far from perfect - are no longer 'one-party states'.
And Jack McConnell deserves great credit - for championing and supporting both reforms.
Jack McConnell was made a life peer earlier this year and now sits in the House of Lords - so it was really untenable for him to remain as an MSP - which is a full-time job.
Jack has come in for a lot of criticism recently - in certain quarters - but what should be remembered is his contribution to changing the face of Scotland and Scottish politics for the good.
Because Jack was the leader of the Scottish Labour party in the crucial period before 1999 - when the Scottish Parliament was finally established.
He supported a more representative parliament - and a form of PR in the shape of the additional member system - which is not perfect, but gives all parties a fair shake.
And Jack McConnell also supported the big shake up in Scottish councils - which also provided for fairer representation at local level.
Ending the old first past the post system - which ensured Labour was in complete control of many councils - with virtually no opposition to speak of in areas Glasgow and Lanarkshire.
At least we now have a Parliament that broadly reflects the views of the Scottish people - and we also have local councils which - though far from perfect - are no longer 'one-party states'.
And Jack McConnell deserves great credit - for championing and supporting both reforms.
