Official Report 822KB pdf
17:31
::On a point of order, Presiding Officer. You will be aware that I wrote to you to advise you of this point of order at 16:49. I appreciate that that was short notice.
The issue at hand concerns the vote on the Scottish Parliament (Recall of Members) Bill at decision time on Tuesday this week. Members who were here will recall that I appeared on screen at 18:35:26 to advise that my app had frozen my phone, and I raised a point of order to advise that I wished to vote no on the bill. Having listened back, I note that my voice was loud and clear, and you advised that my vote would be recorded.
I was then surprised to be approached by the SNP whip to be asked why I had voted yes. I explained the position and confirmed my actions, and I wrote to the Presiding Officer mailbox at 21:22 the same day, setting out the position. Until 17:05 this evening, I had not had a response. The very late response that I received makes an apology, which I fully accept. However, it claims that I voted yes. Presiding Officer, that is categorically not true. I was unable to access the app.
I want to make it clear that I have been known—it is fair to say this—to break my party whip, but I hope that all members know that, should I do so, I will fully own that fact and be entirely honest with them. I fear that this situation has called my integrity into question, which is why I am raising this point of order. I am also concerned that this could happen to any member and that, where a vote is on a knife edge, which this one was not, it could have a material impact on our democracy.
Presiding Officer, I ask that the relevant authorities look into the matter with urgency. Please take this as my setting the record straight in terms of my reputation. Thank you.
::Thank you, Ms Thomson. I will certainly make sure that the relevant officials are in contact with you and that the matter is thoroughly investigated.
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