Alexander denies planning challenge for leadership

WENDY Alexander last night angrily condemned reports that she was preparing a bid for the Labour leadership if a poor result in the coming elections forces Jack McConnell out.

With Labour lagging in the polls, attention has shifted to the fate of the party after 3 May, and the former enterprise minister was reported to be a contender for the leadership, alongside Andy Kerr, the health minister.

However, Ms Alexander dismissed the reports as "ill-informed, unsourced, malicious spin designed to benefit the SNP", adding: "Like all Labour colleagues, my focus is on winning the maximum support for Labour in May."

A source close to the former Paisley North MSP said she was not considering the leadership at present but was unable to say whether Ms Alexander would go for the position should it become vacant.

Mr McConnell said yesterday the party would be going "full steam ahead" on the last leg of the campaign.