This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Communities Minister resigns
21/12/2006
First Minister Jack McConnell has this evening accepted the resignation of Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm.
The FM said: "Malcolm Chisholm has made a substantial contribution to devolved government in Scotland in both the health and communities portfolios and I am very grateful for that. But I understand Malcolm's position and have accepted his resignation."
The FM is not expected to announce a replacement for Mr Chisholm until after the New Year. _________________________________
LETTER FROM MR CHISHOLM
Dear Jack
It is with deep regret that I found myself unable to support the official Labour position on the issue of Trident today. In those circumstances, notwithstanding the fact that it is a reserved issue, I realise that it is not tenable for me to continue as one of your ministers.
I shall always be exceedingly grateful for the opportunity you gave me to be Minister for Health and then Minister for Communities over a period of more than five years. I loved both jobs enormously and was exceedingly pleased and privileged to work with you on these vitally important policy areas.
We have of course disagreed on the particular issue of Trident but over the next few months we shall be completely united on the policies for which we have responsibility in the Scottish Parliament and which we will be putting before the Scottish electorate. We have an excellent record and an exciting programme and I look forward to campaigning with you on them.
I am sorry again that we have had this particular disagreement on a very important reserved issue but that in no way affects my strong support and regard for you which I have consistently voiced over the past few years. Scotland certainly needs you to be First Minister for the next four years and I shall do everything I can to ensure that you are.
Very Best Wishes
Malcolm
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LETTER FROM FIRST MINISTER
Dear Malcolm,
Thank you for your letter today indicating that you wish to resign as Minister for Communities.
I understand your position and accept your resignation with immediate effect.
You have made a significant contribution to government in Scotland in both the health and communities portfolio. We have been able to make considerable progress in improving health services and driving down waiting times in part because of the work that you did with the Health Department from 2001 to 2004. However, the Planning Bill which was recently passed by parliament will come to be seen as one of the most progressive pieces of legislation arising from devolution, and you led that debate with skill and good judgement.
Thank you for your contribution to improving the lives of families in Scotland and for the support that you have given to me and to Cabinet colleagues.
I wish you well for the future, and I look forward to campaigning with you for the elections in May.
Jack McConnell
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MR CHISHOLM BIOGRAPHY
Born on March 7, 1949, Mr Chisholm was educated at George Watson's College in Edinburgh and later Edinburgh University. He was a teacher of English until elected as Westminster MP for North Edinburgh and Leith in 1992. He was Labour's Scottish health spokesperson in opposition and Minister for Local Government, Housing and Transport during the first few months of the Labour Government in 1997.
In 1999 he was returned as MSP for Edinburgh North and Leith. He became vice convener of the Scottish Parliament's Health and Community Care Committee and member of the Equal Opportunities Committee between August 1999 and October 2000.
He was first appointed Minister for Health and Community Care in November 2001 and confirmed in the post after the 2003 election. He moved to become Communities Minister in October 2004. He is married with two sons and a daughter. His interests outside politics include reading, cinema and football.