Scotland's former first minister, Henry McLeish, has announced that he will not stand in next year's Holyrood elections.

Scottish Labour's high command had warned McLeish's that his candidacy for the Central Fife seat would be barred until an investigation had ended into his constituency office expenses.

"After 30 years experience fighting elections and 28 in public office I am today announcing my intention to withdraw from elected politics," McLeish said in a statement.

McLeish who resigned as first minister following an "officegate" scandal over finances was replaced by Jack McConnell.

"I was privileged to serve the people of Scotland in the role of first minister and was deeply saddened when I had to step aside," he said in a statement.

"At the time I took full responsibility for the events that led to that decision and by doing so, I enabled the parliament and the executive to get on with its work without distractions and recriminations.''

Highlighting his ride in the achievements of devolution, McLeish revealed that the pressure of a constant media barrage had been too much.

"Over the months I and my family have endured much intrusions on our privacy, persistent insinuations about matters which have been dealt with, and continuing unacceptable pressures.

"But nothing in the last eight months detracts in any substantial way from the pride I take in a far larger record of service and achievement, the continuing support of colleagues and friends, and the many, many people from Fife and more widely across Scotland who have written, e-mailed and telephoned since November," he said.

His successor as first minister paid tribute to "a very difficult personal decision".

"I hope this will be the end of what must have been a difficult period for Henry and his family, and I would like to wish him and his family well for the future," said McConnell.

Scottish Labour chairman, Richard Leonard, said that McLeish's exit should close a "difficult chapter".

"As a government minister, he will be remembered as one of the architects of the first democratic Scottish parliament and as the first minister who paved the way for free care for elderly people in Scotland," he said.

"I hope his decision will bring this chapter to an end and on behalf of the Scottish Labour Party. I'd like to wish him well in the future.''

"After 30 years experience of fighting elections, and 28 in public office I am today announcing my intention to withdraw from elected politics.

I will not stand in the forthcoming Scottish parliamentary elections. I have, of course, informed my local party.

Successively in local government, at Westminster and in the Scottish parliament, I worked for the people I knew and grew up with and did my best to serve them.

Public service has been my life. I first became a councillor in Kirkcaldy District in 1974, then led Fife Regional Council from 1982 to 1987.

I was elected to serve in Westminster in 1987. Ten years later, with a Labour government in power and honouring its commitment to Scottish devolution, I chaired the consultative steering group whose work led to the delivery of our new parliament in 1999.

Devolution is now a reality and, had I done nothing else in politics, I would still be proud of the role I played in establishing Scotland's parliament.

It fell to me, in tragic circumstances no-one would have foreseen, to take on the office of first minister. This was an honour and a privilege.

In my time as first minister, much was achieved: in building consensus and coalition politics in the parliament; strengthening links with business, trades unions and civic Scotland; and giving a distinctive edge to the emerging role of Scottish government within the UK.

I believe that my record of achievement free personal care for older Scots; the new deal for teachers; the reform of the quango state and much else speaks for itself.

Over the course of my 12 months in Scotland's highest elected post, devolved government established itself more securely than ever, with a new sense of purpose, aspiration and self-belief.

Scotland's international profile was raised by our work towards Euro 2008; by securing the hosting of the Ryder Cup; developing the USA's Tartan Day; by the new ferry link to Europe and by serious policy thinking on Scotland's role within the UK, within Europe and then in the wider world.

I was privileged to serve the people of Scotland in the role of first minister and was deeply saddened when I had to step aside.

At the time I took full responsibility for the events that led to that decision and, by doing so, I enabled the parliament and the executive to get on with its work without distractions and recriminations.

Over the months since then I and my family have endured much: intrusions on our privacy; persistent insinuations about matters which have been dealt with; and continuing unacceptable pressures.

But nothing in the last eight months detracts in any substantial way from the pride I take in a far larger record of service and achievement; the continuing support of colleagues and friends; and the many, many people from Fife and more widely across Scotland who have written, e-mailed and telephoned since November.

I am especially grateful for the continued backing of my constituents in Central Fife, who have consistently supported me.

I will continue to serve them to my last day as an MSP and hope in future to serve them in other ways.

When I look back over the three decades that I have been in public service I am proud of what I have achieved.

I think anyone would find it difficult to give up politics after 30 years of public service. ``But politics is about more than elected office and I plan to remain active in Scottish life.

I will be reading and writing, teaching and lecturing and there will be projects I can take forward which I hope will continue my contribution to our social and economic advancement.

But this statement signifies a change of direction and a positive move to other forms of service, and formally confirms my intention to withdraw from elected office. I will be making no further comment at this stage."