Scotland: First Minister

David Eyre
Political Journalist, Politics Show Scotland

Getting tough on crime and improving education and health services are amongst Jack McConnell's claims to fame.

Jack McConnell took over as First Minister in 2001

Jack McConnell has just celebrated two years as Scotland's First Minister.

The Politics Show Scotland talks to some of his constituents to find out how they think he has performed the role.

Politics Show Scotland also features an exclusive interview with the First Minister.

Longest serving First Minister

Mr McConnell is Scotland's third and longest serving First Minister.

He took over in November 2001 after Henry McLeish resigned following a scandal over his office expenses.

Mr McLeish had become First Minister after the death of Donald Dewar in October 2000.

Jack McConnell led his party to victory at the Scottish elections this year with a manifesto that pledged to strengthen Scotland's economy, improve education and health services, as well as making communities safer by being tough on crime and anti-social behaviour.

We have asked people whether they think he is meeting those commitments and whether they go far enough.

The Scottish National Party and the Tories claim that the Executive's record has got worse since he took over.

Opposition criticism

The SNP leader, John Swinney, said that despite billions of extra pounds being ploughed into public services, hospital waiting times had gone up, thousands of manufacturing jobs had been lost and exam results had not improved.

The Scottish Conservative leader David McLetchie also claimed that Mr McConnell had failed on health, education, crime and the economy.

A spokesman for the First Minister said he had tackled some of the issues holding Scotland back, such as sectarianism, racism and poor health and was determined to continue to build a confident, ambitious Scotland.

Politics Show

... That's the Politics Show on Sunday to hear Glenn Campbell ask the First Minister, Jack McConnell, about how he rates his performance.

Join reporter Amber Henshaw on Sunday 30 November 2003.

Have your say

What are your views - Let the Politics Show know by using the comment form below.

The Politics Show - looking at the issues which have hit the headlines.

Tune into the Politics Show Scotland, on BBC One on Sundays at Noon, with reporter Amber Henshaw and presenter Glenn Campbell.

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