This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Education Minister resigns on health grounds
14/11/2006
Education Minister Peter Peacock has resigned from the Cabinet for health reasons, the Executive announced today.
A replacement is expected to be announced this afternoon.
In a letter from First Minister Jack McConnell, Mr Peacock said:
"As I advised you over the weekend, it is with great regret that I have to step down as Minister for Education and Young People, with immediate effect.
"As you are aware I have been experiencing a prolonged period of poor health. It has become increasingly apparent that a Ministerial lifestyle is not conducive to either promoting or maintaining my health and, following further recent difficulties and advice, I have concluded that I must give my health priority attention.
"It has been an enormous privilege to have served as a Minister since the advent of devolution and to have enjoyed your confidence and that of your predecessors to carry out various roles as a Minister - in Finance, Local Government, Public Services, Europe, Gaelic and, most recently, as Minister of Education and Young People.
"I believe that, with your active encouragement and support, a huge amount has been done to strengthen the foundations of Scottish education so that it can now move on further in meeting the challenges we know we face and to become, unquestionably, the best in the world.
"As you know, I believe in devolution as the right constitutional settlement for Scotland and the national leadership you are providing, using the extensive powers of devolution, is making a huge beneficial impact on the lives of our people.
"The clarity of vision and the energy and drive that I have seen you bring to your role is helping take Scotland into the future with greater strength and confidence and is building exactly the kind of strong foundations necessary for sustained success.
"You will continue to enjoy my support in whatever way I can give it, now from the back benches."
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The First Minister replied:
"Thank you for your letter advising me of your decision to step down as Minister for Education and Young People.
"I am extremely sorry that you have had to take this decision, but entirely understand your reasons for having done so. I hope that you are now able to take the time necessary to recuperate, and take the steps that will lead you back to full health.
"You have been hugely successful in all the portfolios you have held, but the progress you have secured as Minister for Education and Young People has been particularly impressive. The education system is in good shape, morale is high and the number of new teachers coming into the profession is extremely encouraging.
"More primary school pupils are reaching expected standards, with many exceeding expectations - particularly in reading. In secondary schools last year more than 90% of pupils were awarded a standard grade or equivalent in English and Maths.
"Perhaps most impressively of all, our 15 year olds are amongst the top performing in the world for maths, science and literacy.
"These are significant achievements of which you can be justifiably proud. I know that you will give every support to the Executive from your new position as we strive to go even further and make the Scottish education system, once again, the best in the world.
"On a personal level, I would like to thank you for all your support and commitment over the five years I have been First Minister. I know you will be missed from the Ministerial team and on behalf of all your Ministerial colleagues, best wishes for your recuperation."
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Biography
Before being elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999, Mr Peacock, 54, was a councillor with Highland Council (formerly Highland Regional Council) from 1982. He was council leader between 1995 and 1999.
He was educated at Hawick High School and gained a diploma in Youth Work and Community Service at Jordanhill College in Glasgow. He has been a community worker, area officer of the Citizens Advice Bureaux and a self-employed consultant.
He is a member of Scottish National Heritage, the Post Office Board for Scotland, European Committee of the Regions and the Council of Europe - Local Authority Chamber.
Mr Peacock is married with two adult sons.