JACK McConnell, the first minister, yesterday began the process of hiring and firing his backroom staff.
He has turned to an old friend as his new chief of staff, appointing Mike Donnelly of Paisley University as head of his team.
But four members of the old team appointed by Henry McLeish, including his chief spin doctor Peter MacMahon, have gone.
Dr Donnelly was one of Mr McConnell's successors as leader of Stirling Council before leaving for an academic post. He also returned briefly to serve the Labour Party after the sacking of Tommy Sheppard, former assistant general secretary, in 1997, taking the role of general election campaign manager on a short-term contract.
Dr Donnelly's speciality is public sector management, and he also did a stint as a special adviser to John Reid when he was Scottish secretary.
The new first minister, who will be sworn in next week, said: ''I am delighted that Mike Donnelly has accepted my offer to work with ministers and civil servants as principal adviser.
''His expertise in management will be much valued. He will also have the task of working with senior civil servants to review the support given to the first minister and to recommend further action to remodel the adviser team.''
Mr McConnell is determined to send out a message by ensur-
ing that his special adviser team costs less than that of his predecessor. Survivors include John McTernan, strategy chief, John McLaren, economics guru, and Andy Rowe, presentation expert.
Two of the media team have also been rehired in Tom Little and Fiona Hamilton, but Mr MacMahon, their former boss who took heavy flak over the way Mr McLeish's final days were handled, has gone.
Other casualties are Professor Duncan Maclennan, a housing expert, Colin Currie, a senior geriatrician, and Bill Heaney, an adviser on dealings with local press.
Mr McConnell said: ''Peter MacMahon and Duncan Maclennan are close personal friends of mine. Both have made a significant contribution but I respect their decision to move on.'' He also spoke of Dr Currie and Mr Heaney, pointing out that both had outside jobs to which they would be returning, and wishing them well.
Scotland's third incumbent of the post of first minister travels to Buckingham Palace on Monday to be presented with his warrant of office by the Queen under the terms of the Scotland act.
On Tuesday, Mr McConnell will be sworn in at the Court of Session by Lord Cullen, the lord president, and will receive the great seal of office. It is believed he will announce his new cabinet the following day.
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