Wendy Alexander resigns
Andrea Sat Jun 28, 2008 at 09:32:33 PM GMT 
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Wendy Alexander has today resigned her position as Leader of Labour in the Scottish Parliament.
Announcing her resignations, Mrs Alexander said:
"My pursuers have sought the prize of political victory with little thought to the standing of the parliament. Some may feel they have achieved a political victory but wiser heads will surely question 'at what price?'
It is clear that vexatious complaints will continue to dominate the headlines as long as I remain Labour's Scottish Parliamentary Leader. "I cannot ask Labour supporters in Scotland for further forbearance."
Cathy Jamieson MSP has assumed all the responsibilities of the leader of the Labour Group of the Scottish Parliament until the normal procedures for electing a new leader are concluded.
Jamieson said:
"Ever since this process began anybody who knows Wendy Alexander has not for one minute questioned her integrity as is evident today. With this decision she has put the Scottish Parliament and the Labour Party above her own interests.
"However there are far wider issues that have been raised and it is not just about Wendy Alexander and the Labour Party but Parliamentary process.
"Wendy Alexander followed the code of conduct, sought advice from Parliament and received unambiguous legal advice. Subsequently the Standards Commissioner decided this advice was wrong and the Standards Committee then penalised her for following the advice of the parliamentary authorities. This has profound implications for all MSPs.
"Wendy Alexander has set up the platform for Labour to reconnect with the people of Scotland and we will be taking forward this agenda over the summer and beyond."
"My pursuers have sought the prize of political victory with little thought to the standing of the parliament. Some may feel they have achieved a political victory but wiser heads will surely question 'at what price?'
It is clear that vexatious complaints will continue to dominate the headlines as long as I remain Labour's Scottish Parliamentary Leader. "I cannot ask Labour supporters in Scotland for further forbearance."
Cathy Jamieson MSP has assumed all the responsibilities of the leader of the Labour Group of the Scottish Parliament until the normal procedures for electing a new leader are concluded.
Jamieson said:
"Ever since this process began anybody who knows Wendy Alexander has not for one minute questioned her integrity as is evident today. With this decision she has put the Scottish Parliament and the Labour Party above her own interests.
"However there are far wider issues that have been raised and it is not just about Wendy Alexander and the Labour Party but Parliamentary process.
"Wendy Alexander followed the code of conduct, sought advice from Parliament and received unambiguous legal advice. Subsequently the Standards Commissioner decided this advice was wrong and the Standards Committee then penalised her for following the advice of the parliamentary authorities. This has profound implications for all MSPs.
"Wendy Alexander has set up the platform for Labour to reconnect with the people of Scotland and we will be taking forward this agenda over the summer and beyond."
Wendy Alexander resigns | 13 comments (13 topical)
Wendy Alexander resigns | 13 comments (13 topical)
