A Labour MSP has resigned as a ministerial aide after voting against the Scottish Executive over plans for a shake-up of Glasgow hospitals.

Eastwood MSP Ken Macintosh was the only member of his party to oppose the proposals which will see the city's Victoria Infirmary downscaled and the number of accident and emergency units cut from five to two.

MSPs voted in favour of the shake-up by 62 votes to 52 with five abstentions.

The plans were opposed by the Scottish National Party and the Conservatives.

Ken Macintosh resigned from his post

Culture, Sport and Tourism Minister Mike Watson, MSP for Glasgow Cathcart, voted for the reorganisation despite campaigning against it amid concern about the future size of the Victoria Infirmary in his constituency.

However, the executive has now promised a review of accident and emergency facilities at the hospital.

Mr Watson said he was bound by the convention of collective Cabinet responsibility.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Executive announced that Mr Macintosh had resigned.

In a statement, First Minister Jack McConnell said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ken for the work he has done. A replacement will be announced as soon as possible."

'Best deal'

Mr Macintosh had been appointed as ministerial parliamentary aide (MPA) to Education Minister Cathy Jamieson in February.

Mr Macintosh was not available for comment.

Explaining why he backed the proposals, Mr Watson said: "As a member of the Cabinet it's my duty to do so, but I think the executive amendment had a great deal to commend it.

"A lot of work went in by (Health Minister) Malcolm Chisholm and Greater Glasgow MSPs to deal with many of the issues that have been raised.

"I think my constituents will realise the situation I was in personally and realise I will work to get the best deal I can on whatever issue."

Nicola Sturgeon: "The only MSP with backbone"

Two Labour critics of the proposals - Janis Hughes and Gordon Jackson - abstained.

Scottish National Party health spokeswoman Nicola Sturgeon said: "I applaud Ken Macintosh for being the only Labour MSP with backbone.

"It's just a shame that these days you can't stick to your principles and be a member of the Labour government."

Bill Aitken, a Tory regional MSP for Glasgow, said: "Ken has done the right thing. If only some of his colleagues had stood up for their constituents, then Glasgow's health future might have been brighter tonight."

Scottish Socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan said: "I am deeply disappointed in the vote.

"I hoped New Labour's Glasgow team would stand up for Glasgow at least this once."

MSPs had earlier debated a call by Ms Sturgeon to suspend the board's plans and set up an expert group to carry out a review of the proposals within six months.

Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm refused to accept this suggestion.

He said Greater Glasgow Health Board should "press ahead" with the plans and added that there would be a review in two years' time.