Shock resignation

The day's events began with a terse statement being read to the Scottish Parliament that its first minister was resigning. Even opponents acknowledged that Mr McLeish had made a "tough decision" but that it was the "right one".

 The BBC's Andrew Cassell reports

McLeish's statement to Parliament

Henry McLeish makes his personal statement

Henry McLeish stood down from the post he had only held for little more than a year, telling fellow MSPs that "the ultimate responsibility" for what had unfolded "is mine and mine alone". He said the media attention surrounding Officegate had seen his family "made to suffer", and he insisted that he made no personal gain from the events that had taken place.

 Henry McLeish formally resigns

Political reaction

John Swinney felt personal sympathy for McLeish

Leader of the SNP John Swinney said Mr McLeish might "have managed to save his position" if he had only set the facts out earlier.

He added that the politicians must "understand that the public must be able to scrutinise their activities, and if we cannot be held to account then we should not be in office."

Speaking for the Lib Dems Donald Gorrie said: "I have no idea what prompted his resignation"

 Leader of the SNP John Swinney

 Lib Dem Donald Gorrie

Political analysis

Brian Taylor

BBC Scotland's political editor Brian Taylor considers "the row that wouldn't die, the story that wouldn't go away".

Scottish Sun journalist Andy Nichol said: "It is the most astounding day I have experienced"

 Brian Taylor reports

 Andy Nichol