Scottish First Minister resigns

12 April 2012

Scotland's First Minister Henry McLeish today resigned following a row over office expenses.

The move was announced to the Scottish Parliament, at the start of a Tory-led debate over the issue.

Mr McLeish had been under pressure from Opposition parties in Scotland to stand down after it emerged he received £36,000 from sub-letting his constituency office in Glenrothes, Fife, during his time as a Westminster MP.

The news was given to the Scottish Parliament by the parliament minister Tom McCabe, who said: "I would like to inform the chamber that the First Minister has this morning written to Her Majesty the Queen and yourself (Presiding Office Sir David Steel) indicating he intends to tender his resignation."

After the announcement Sir David Steel agreed to suspend business in the chamber.

Mr McCabe said: "Presiding Officer I would like to inform the chamber that the First Minister has this morning written to Her Majesty The Queen and yourself indicating that he intended to tender his resignation.

"The First Minister intends to come to parliament later today to make a personal statement. I therefore ask that the business of parliament be suspended."

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