Stiff test lies ahead

It was a coronation, not an election. In keeping with the manner of her seamless elevation to the leadership of the Scottish Labour Party, all but ratified yesterday when she was confirmed as the sole nominee to succeed Jack McConnell, Wendy Alexander will tour Scotland with an ear to the ground, rather than a megaphone. The hearts, minds and votes she must win are the Scottish public's. Those of her party are in the bag. She will not officially become leader until September 14, when Labour MSPs and the executive meet to hand her the party crown. Or will it turn out to be a poisoned chalice?