Edinburgh - Opposition politicians yesterday accused Scotland's First Minister, Mr Donald Dewar, of losing control of the Scottish executive which, they claimed, had degenerated into a backbiting "shambles". The attacks from Tories and nationalists came after the sudden resignation of a special adviser to Mr Dewar, Mr Philip Chalmers, who has been convicted of two drink-related motoring offences.
The latest resignation comes within months of the departure of Mr Dewar's chief-of-staff, Mr John Rafferty. He lost his job last year after allegations he misled the public with exaggerated claims of death threats to the Scottish health minister, Ms Susan Deacon, after she spoke out against militant antiabortion campaigners.