PM appoints High Commissioner to the Republic of Malawi

The Prime Minister has proposed to nominate Jack McConnell as the next British High Commissioner to the Republic of Malawi. The Prime Minister said:

"Scotland is a better stronger country because of Jack McConnell's leadership as First Minister of Scotland.

As Finance Minister, Education Minister and then First Minister Jack McConnell has spoken up for the concerns and interests of Scotland's families and Scottish people generally. The whole of Scotland owes him a debt of gratitude for his tireless work and his lifelong commitment to the best for the Scottish people.

Now that he has decided to stand down from leading the Labour Party in the Scottish Parliament, he has decided to continue his work in the area of international development through work with the people of Malawi with whom Scotland has developed a special connection.

I know he cares passionately about two of the great issues of international development - the relief of poverty and the provision of education.

I believe that he will make an excellent representative of the United Kingdom Government in Malawi and I am pleased he has accepted the Government's offer of the position of High Commissioner to Malawi, after the present High Commissioner completes his posting and at an appropriate moment."

The President of Malawi has said he warmly welcomes the proposal.

ENDS