[1][2] In the 1997 UK general election, Tony Blair's Labour Party won a landslide victory and he formed a majority government, with Dewar as Secretary of State for Scotland.

[5] In a statement to the media he outlined his key commitments including retaining social justice as the number one priority and purpose, leading without fear of favour in an open and democratic style, putting equality at the centre of all matters.

[6] McConnell received pressure by Chancellor Gordon Brown not to stand, giving McLeish an unopposed contest, but he issued a "keep out" warning to Westminster.

[8] McLeish stated he was confident he could lead the government to "electoral success" and he promised to carry Dewar's vision forward, something he described as the "unfinished business".

This was because the Scotland Act 1998 constitutes a first minister must be appointed within 28 days resulting in a tight timescale for a leadership race.