Andy Kerr was known as a Jack McConnell loyalist

He was called to introduce radical reforms aimed at improving and modernising the health service.

The former local government worker was also tasked with looking at waiting lists and problems with the NHS 24 helpline service.

Mr Kerr was elected an MSP in 1999 and was known as a Jack McConnell loyalist.

Before taking on the health job, Mr Kerr was a finance minister and a Holyrood committee convener.

The politician formerly worked in Glasgow Council's land services department and was UK secretary of the National Association of Direct Labour Organisations between 1991 and 1992 and Scottish secretary from 1994 until 1997.

He was also advisor to the then Glasgow City Council leader Frank McAveety.