The new leader of the Scottish Labour Party today ruled out any major policy shifts once he is confirmed as Scotland's First Minister.
Mr Jack McConnell was officially declared Scottish Labour leader following a ballot of the party's MSPs and members of its Scottish Executive in Glasgow.
Mr McConnell, who was the only candidate in the contest, received the backing of more than 97 per cent of those eligible to vote.
In his acceptance speech, Mr McConnell said he was "deeply honoured" to have won the backing of his party but insisted there would be no dramatic change in approach for the Labour-led Executive if, as expected, he becomes First Minister on Thursday.
Despite speculation earlier this week, Mr McConnell said the Executive would not change its position on controversial issues such as private involvement in public services, proportional representation for council elections and financial independence for the Scottish Parliament.
He said: "These are interesting debates, there will be important discussions.
"But we already have agreed positions on all three and I will stand by those agreements."
Mr McConnell also attacked the "separatist agenda" of the Scottish National Party and said he did not believe the Parliament needed more power.
The leadership contest followed the resignation of former First Minister Henry McLeish nine days ago. The MSP for Central Fife had become embroiled in controversy surrounding office expenses he had claimed while a Westminster MP.
Mr McLeish was one of four MSPs who did not attend today's ballot at Scottish Labour's headquarters.
PA