Sturgeon ‘not unsympathetic’ to opposition call over SPA chair

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she is “not entirely unsympathetic” to a campaign by opposition parties for MSPS to be handed the power to appoint the next chair of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA).

Labour, the Conservatives, Greens and Liberal Democrats have united to call for the Scottish Government to delegate the responsibility for the appointment to the Scottish Parliament following a turbulent time for the authority. 0 Liberal Democrat Liam Mcarthur is calling for change

Liberal Democrat justice spokesman Liam Mcarthur raised the issue at First Minister’s Questions, saying: “Will the First Minister now agree to the call by the justice spokespeople of all four opposition parties, myself included, for change.”

Ms Sturgeon said: “As it happens I am not entirely unsympathetic to the case that Liam Mcarthur has made.”

She said the process of appointment is laid down in legislation but ministers would “consider whether there is a role that parliament could play” within that legal framework.

Outgoing chair Andrew Flanagan announced his resignation in June.