Alexander tipped to be Labour leader within weeks

WENDY Alexander could be confirmed as leader of the Scottish Labour party "within weeks" in an unopposed coronation, according to senior sources.

Alexander, who is the overwhelming favourite for the job, is facing a clear run to the post, enabling her to take over within the next month.


The development comes with former First Minister Jack McConnell widely expected to announce his resignation, possibly as early as this Wednesday.

McConnell has spent the summer considering his position, and is now thought to have reached a decision to go, with the only question mark hanging over the timing of his departure.

Alexander has emerged as the clear favourite for the job over the summer, as the size of her support base became clear.

She is backed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and is now thought to have the overwhelming support of MSPs as well.

If unopposed, Alexander would be elected via a special conference of MPs, MSPs, unions and party members.

She is said to have already drawn up detailed plans in readiness for taking over, including root-and-branch reforms of the party following its election defeat in May.

Only two candidates are now thought likely to force a contest. Former Health Minister Andy Kerr is still said to be considering his next move, while Edinburgh MSP Iain Gray is also not ruling himself out of a challenge. Alexander may also face a contest from the party's hard-left.

Her team are now said to be divided over whether she would benefit from a leadership contest or not, amid warnings that a coronation would send the wrong signals about the party.

One party source said: "She could be in very quickly indeed. That would have the advantage of having a leader in place quickly, so we're no longer in limbo".

However, another figure close to Alexander said: "The aim should be to get the new leader in for when parliament goes into recess in October. Wendy would benefit from a longer campaign."

The situation is further complicated by the position of deputy leader Cathy Jamieson. If she were to resign along with McConnell, that might trigger a parallel contest, similar to the election of the UK deputy leader earlier this summer.