Speculation grows over Alexander’s resignation

Published on Monday 6 May 2002 01:00

FRIENDS of Wendy Alexander expect her to be back in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday to begin her new role as a backbench MSP.

As the former enterprise minister stayed away from the controversy generated by her sudden resignation on Friday, spending the weekend in Amsterdam, speculation continued about why she had quit.

One report suggested she blamed sexists obsessed with her private life for forcing her out of office. "I don’t understand why some people are more interested in my private life than in the achievements of the last five years," she reportedly said. "This would not happen to a man. A male politician would not be said to throw tantrums or be prone to histrionics. That would be a ‘heated exchange of views’."

Another report said her decision had come after the collapse of a cherished relationship due to her punishing workload. A "shattered relationship" with Calum MacLeod, a Presbyterian pastor based in Chicago, was cited as one of the main reasons why she had decided to resign.

Another report said Ms Alexander is planning to write a book to "lift the lid on the feuds that have dogged Labour in the first three years of devolution".

Reports also reflected the shockwaves her unexpected resignation had sent through the Labour Party. The timing of the announcement infuriated some of her colleagues, especially as it let the SNP off the hook over the embarrassment the Nationalists were experiencing following the resignation of Dorothy-Grace Elder.

Ms Alexander’s announcement came less than 24 hours after the SNP had been hit by Ms Elder’s claims of bullying.

According to other reports, supporters of Mr McConnell described Ms Alexander as "bizarre, isolated and selfish" and the First Minister himself was said to have felt "betrayed".

One close friend said the former minister simply "needed a bit of space", having worked day and night on her portfolio: "I was surprised but not absolutely shocked. Whatever the reason, she is not walking away feeling bitter. I’m sure there is more than one reason. But she was in high spirits before making her announcement."