McLeish's constituency successor chosen

Mr McLeish decided not to stand again earlier this year

The successor to former First Minister Henry McLeish as Labour's Holyrood candidate for Central Fife has been announced.

Fife Council leader Christine May was chosen for the seat ahead of Donald Dewar's former spin doctor David Whitton and four other candidates.

Ms May said she was delighted and that she would start campaigning for the 2003 Scottish Parliament elections immediately.

She has been a local authority councillor in Fife for 10 years mad lives in Kirkcaldy.

'Officegate'

Ms May is also involved with Fife Community Planning Forum, the European Union Committee of the Regions and Fife Tourist Board.

Mr McLeish first announced his intention to quit as an MSP earlier this year.

The former professional footballer, who was brought down by the "Officegate" affair after barely a year in office, said he had decided not to stand in next May's elections.

Mr McLeish has said he hopes to continue a political role in Scotland and be involved in teaching and lecturing.

'No way suitable'

Tricia Marwick, the Scottish National Party's MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife, said she was "astonished" by Ms May's selection.

She added: "In her leadership of Fife Council the Labour group has gone from a major administration to a minor administration.

"I cannot believe that the party would in any way think she is a suitable candidate for Central Fife."