 | 'A new and unexpected role on the international stage for Jack McConnell, which avoids a by-election, was a major talking point yesterday as the reshuffle of ministerial posts was completed by the Prime Minister.' Robbie Dinwoodie, Chief Scottish Political Correspondent in the Herald, 6 th October 2008. |  |
A new and unexpected role on the international stage for Jack McConnell, which avoids a by-election, was a major talking point yesterday as the reshuffle of ministerial posts was completed by the Prime Minister.
The continued shockwaves of Peter Mandelson's return to cabinet via the House of Lords also dominated the Westminster agenda. The new Business Secretary admitted he had consulted Tony Blair before accepting the post, but claimed that in spite of past differences he and Gordon Brown would be "joined at the hip" from now on.
Mr Mandelson's appointment also triggered an important role for Paisley-born Pat McFadden, who will deputise for the Business Secretary and speak for the department in the Commons.
Mr McFadden, a former student leader, worked for Donald Dewar, John Smith and Tony Blair before being elected in Wolverhampton South-East in 2005.
He was appointed a Minister of State for Business last year. He remains in that position in the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, but as formal deputy to Mr Mandelson and with a key role in the Commons.
Two Scottish MPs left office in the changes. Stirling MP Anne McGuire stood down as Minister for the Disabled and Tom Harris, the Glasgow South MP, revealed on his own blog that he had been sacked as Transport Minister. That was the same blog on which earlier this year he asked why voters were "so bloody miserable", which may have contributed to his return to the back benches.
Two Scottish politicians were handed appointments as "Government Representatives". Edinburgh North and Leith MP Mark Lazarowicz was made a special representative of the Prime Minister on carbon trading. This was seen as recognition for his genuine green credentials and reward for remaining loyal to Mr Brown in spite of regular predictions that he was on the point of rebelling.
Mr McConnell's appointment as special representative for conflict resolution mechanisms was altogether more controversial, because as a part-time post it means he will remain as an MSP. Had he gone as planned to Malawi as High Commission, the full-time diplomatic post would have forced a by-election in Motherwell and Wishaw.
The new post, which is unpaid, will see him working with the United Nations, the European Union and other bodies to put together proposals for more effective international intervention to help rebuild war-torn countries such as Rwanda, Bosnia and Kosovo.
Mr McConnell insisted it was a "serious job to deal with serious issues" but his successor as First Minister Alex Salmond said: "This is blatant political manipulation in order to avoid defeat in a by-election.
"It is a sign of how out of touch they are that Labour think they can manipulate the process in this way, but sooner or later people are going to say to Labour enough is enough."
Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray said: "I have already congratulated Jack on this new role and as someone who has worked in Africa I know how important this is.
"But as Jack has pointed out, his first responsibility will be to his constituents in Motherwell and Wishaw and I'm delighted that he'll be taking the fight to the SNP along with the entire Labour team at Holyrood."
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