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He was instrumental in rejecting post-election overtures from the First Minister, Alex Salmond, about a possible SNP-Lib Dem coalition because the Nationalists were demanding such a plebiscite.But after he was elected leader yesterday, Mr Scott softened his stance on a referendum, saying it was something he was prepared to consider."We will see what legislation the SNP come forward with," he said.

There is another possible development which might alter the SNP's focus. Labour leaders at Holyrood are waiting for Jack McConnell's decision on when he intends to stand down as the MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw so he can go to Malawi as the UK's High Commissioner.The former first minister has said he won't make a decision until he gets confirmation of his appointment from the Foreign Office.If the Foreign Office endorses his appointment, his contract should come to him soon, which means he could stand down in the next couple of months, forcing a by-election for Holyrood on the same day as the Glenrothes poll.