Announcing his resignation on Thursday, Henry McLeish wrote this letter to the parliament's presiding officer, Sir David Steel.

Dear David,

I am writing to advise you formally that I have today written to Her Majesty, in accordance with Section 45(2) of the Scotland Act, to tender my resignation as First Minister. I intend to make a personal statement to that effect in the Scottish Parliament today.

It has been a privilege to serve the people of Scotland as a Minister in the Scottish Executive and as First Minister. It is my intention to continue to serve my constituents in Central Fife as their Member of the Scottish Parliament.

Yours,

Henry McLeish