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A break with tradition

• Brian Taylor
• 18 May 07, 12:47 PM

By ancient tradition - OK, eight years - opposition leaders crack a few funnies when Holyrood ratifies new ministers.

This week Murdo Fraser was witty, Tavish Scott was droll. Jack McConnell looked like he'd swallowed a particularly toxic wasp.

For why? Well, I suppose it's hard to smile when you've lost office, your car, your salary and your status. Tavish managed it, though.

But there's more. Labour doesn't intend to play by established rules.

They're in opposition, of course, but they will also operate like a standing alternative government.

They'll introduce legislation through members and committee bills. They want a say - a real say - in the executive's budget proposals.

Jack McConnell is the king over the water, waiting for his people to call again.

To help him in stirring that call, he has today appointed a new front bench team, mirroring exactly the ministerial structure of the SNP's government.

It's welcome back to the front bench for Wendy Alexander - who stepped down from Cabinet in 2002 to regain the freedom to think great thoughts. Presumably we will see the results of that exercise when she goes head to head with John Swinney.

I think we can now fairly say that the elections are over.

It's on with governing - and opposing. Which means it's time to sign off this blog.

But fret not: I've been given licence to blog regularly about Scottish politics.

I hope you can join me at my new blog, which you can find by clicking here.

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