MacAskill no more…

Former justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has announced that he is to stand down as an MSP at next year’s Holyrood election.

The former Edinburgh solicitor and SNP member for Edinburgh Eastern told The National newspaper that he wanted to “pursue new challenges” and embark on “a third career”.

Mr MacAskill’s seven-and-a-half years reign as justice secretary was not without controversy.

His decision to liberate Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds was seen as courageous, although his decision to visit Megrahi in prison was criticised.

The establishment of Police Scotland has drawn flak for lack of rigorous scrutiny and accountability and criminal lawyers were perturbed by continuing cuts in legal aid and the drive to reduce trials.

But it was his commitment to scrapping corroboration and double jeopardy which drew most concern and may well have been his undoing.

As was widely predicted Mr MacAskill was replaced after last year’s referendum. The incoming justice minister Michael Matheson put the scrapping of corroboration on hold — to the widespread relief of criminal lawyers.

Mr MacAskill said: “I’m proud of the commitment and efforts I made, but it will now be up to others to take things forward. I am not leaving parliament to retire, but am leaving to pursue what might be considered a third career.”