UK News 14-11-2001 Minister: I Lied About Love Affair who: Scottish education minister Jack McConnell what: Admits that he lied about an extra-marital affair where: EDINBURGH when: Yesterday snippet: "Jack McConnell yesterday admitted having an extra-marital affair," reports The Telegraph, "as he tried to pre-empt disclosures about his personal life that could damage his campaign to become the next First Minister of Scotland." "The Education Minister said he was forced to `clear the air` after rumours on the state of his marriage threatened his bid for the leadership of the Scottish Labour Party, which is unopposed," says The Independent. "I did have an affair seven years ago," he told the press, with his wife Bridget by his side. "At the time I made mistakes, including denying the facts publicly and privately. I let everybody down." "Mr McConnell will officially become leader of the Scottish Labour Party after an `affirmative ballot` - expected within the next few days - at a meeting of the party`s 55 MSPs and the 29 members of Labour`s Scottish executive," explains The Scotsman`s Alison Hardie, describing the announcement as "a huge but calculated gamble". [... more]

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