Jackie Baillie is a popular Labour minister

Born in 1964 in Hong Kong, Jackie Baillie was educated at St Anne's School, Windermere, Cumbernauld College and at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.

Now married with one daughter, Ms Baillie is also currently studying towards the MSc in Local Economic Development at University of Glasgow.

After the Scottish Parliament elections in 1999, Donald Dewar installed her as Wendy Alexander's deputy in the communities portfolio.

During this time she had to contend with the controversy surrounding the repeal of Section 28 and plans for the transfer of housing stock outwith local authority control.

Personal endorsement

When Mr Dewar died, Jackie Baillie supported Henry McLeish's bid to become Scottish Labour leader and first minister.

Her role in the successful campaign was rewarded with elevation to communities minister after Wendy Alexander was transferred to enterprise.

In the past year, Ms Baillie has driven forward the housing stock transfer legislation and been at the forefront of several other high-profile initiatives on domestic abuse and asylum seekers.

At 37, she may be considered too young for the top job and may opt to consolidate her position with a future campaign in mind.

Even if Ms Baillie does not stand, her personal endorsement will provide a significant boost to another candidate.

Either way, she is likely to be a key player in deciding who is the next first minister of Scotland.