‘Stitch-up’ fears as Green MSP elected to job of Holyrood’s Presiding Officer
THE Scottish parliament will be led by a Green MSP for the first time – but concerns have been raised that she will not be strong enough to stand up to the SNP.
Alison Johnstone was elected unchallenged as Presiding Officer yesterday. However, some MSPs expressed fears over a ‘stitch-up’ by the SNP, which will be a minority government.
A secret ballot is held for the post, the Holyrood equivalent of the Speaker in the House of Commons. In yesterday’s vote, 97 MSPs voted for her and 28 against, with two abstentions and one spoiled ballot paper.
One Tory MSP said: ‘There is a concern that the SNP got Alison Johnstone to stand and they will stitch up the Deputy Presiding Officer election again too.’ Another Tory source said: ‘There was some concern over whether she will be strong enough against the SNP.’
The Presiding Officer needs to give up their party allegiance to take on the role, which comes with a £112,919 salary.
It means there will now be 64 Nationalist MSPs and 64 opposition MSPs, making it more difficult for opposition parties to unite and inflict a defeat on the Scottish Government.
The new Presiding Officer described her role as ‘a major challenge at an incredibly important time in Scotland’s history’. She pledged to encourage a culture of ‘open debate’, adding: ‘I’d like to do so in an atmosphere of inclusivity, mutual tolerance and respect.’