Jack McConnell to seek Holyrood candidate re-selection

It is understood Mr McConnell is keeping his options open

Scotland's former first minister, Jack McConnell, is to seek re-selection as a candidate in the next Scottish Parliament election.

It was widely expected the Motherwell and Wishaw MSP would quit Holyrood after he was named as a future British High Commissioner to Malawi.

BBC Scotland understands Mr McConnell is keen to keep his options open.

It is also thought the Labour politician has not ruled out returning to the Labour leadership.

The SNP claimed the move highlighted a "leadership vacuum" in Scottish Labour.

Close links

Mr McConnell stood down as party leader following the SNP's Scottish election victory in 2007.

As first minister, he worked to forge close links between Scotland and the African country of Malawi - one of the world's poorest areas - and has continued his work there since leaving office.

Mr McConnell has previously said he received "considerable representations" from people in Motherwell and Wishaw asking him to stay on as an MSP.