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Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)

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Sarah Boyack

Scottish Labour

MSP for Lothian (Region) 2019 - present day

Former MSP for Lothian (Region) 2011 - 2016

Former MSP for Edinburgh Central (Constituency) 1999 - 2011

About Sarah Boyack

Contact details

Contact online

Contact at the Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP

Phone: 0131 348 6994
Text relay calls welcome.

Committees

Cross-party groups

Sarah is a member of 15 cross-party groups

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Bangladesh

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Circular Economy

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Co-Operatives

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Culture and Communities

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Europe

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Fair Trade

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on India

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on International Development

Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Malawi

Deputy Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Palestine

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

Deputy Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Sustainable Transport

Deputy Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Taiwan

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Visual Impairment

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Wellbeing Economy

Member

Parliamentary and Government Roles

Sarah has 1 parliamentary and government role

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Branch Executive

Member

Party Roles

Sarah has 3 party roles

Party Spokesperson on Energy

Scottish Labour

Party Spokesperson on Just Transition

Scottish Labour

Party Spokesperson on Net Zero

Scottish Labour

Previous roles

Sarah has had 39 previous roles

Previous roles in cross-party groups are not included in this list.

17 June 2021 - 25 April 2023

Constitution Europe External Affairs and Culture Committee

Member

22 September 2021 - 25 April 2023

Local Government Housing and Planning Committee

Substitute Member

31 May 2021 - 10 April 2023

Party Spokesperson on the Constitution

Scottish Labour

31 May 2021 - 10 April 2023

Party Spokesperson on External Affairs

Scottish Labour

31 May 2021 - 10 April 2023

Party Spokesperson on Culture

Scottish Labour

01 March 2021 - 04 May 2021

Party Spokesperson on Environment

Scottish Labour

01 March 2021 - 04 May 2021

Party Spokesperson on Climate Change

Scottish Labour

01 March 2021 - 04 May 2021

Party Spokesperson on Land Reform

Scottish Labour

25 September 2019 - 04 May 2021

Standards Procedures and Public Appointments Committee

Substitute Member

11 September 2019 - 04 May 2021

Local Government and Communities Committee

Deputy Convener

02 September 2019 - 01 March 2021

Party Spokesperson on Local Government

Scottish Labour

05 February 2020 - 25 February 2020

Finance and Constitution Committee

Substitute Member

10 September 2019 - 11 September 2019

Local Government and Communities Committee

Member

06 January 2015 - 23 March 2016

Policy Forum/Manifesto Co-ordinator

Scottish Labour

19 August 2015 - 23 March 2016

Party Spokesperson on Environmental Justice

Scottish Labour

08 January 2015 - 23 March 2016

Rural Affairs Climate Change and Environment Committee

Member

16 December 2014 - 19 August 2015

Party Spokesperson on Rural Development

Scottish Labour

16 December 2014 - 19 August 2015

Party Spokesperson on the Environment

Scottish Labour

03 September 2013 - 08 January 2015

Local Government and Regeneration Committee

Substitute Member

19 December 2011 - 16 December 2014

Party Spokesperson on Local Government

Scottish Labour

19 December 2011 - 16 December 2014

Party Spokesperson on Planning

Scottish Labour

20 May 2011 - 19 December 2011

Party Spokesperson on Rural Development

Scottish Labour

20 May 2011 - 19 December 2011

Party Spokesperson on the Environment

Scottish Labour

17 September 2007 - 22 March 2011

Party Spokesperson on Rural Development

Scottish Labour

17 September 2007 - 22 March 2011

Party Spokesperson on the Environment

Scottish Labour

13 June 2007 - 20 September 2007

Rural Affairs and Environment Committee

Member

18 May 2007 - 17 September 2007

Party Spokesperson on the Environment

Scottish Labour

11 January 2007 - 17 May 2007

Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development

Scottish Government

10 June 2003 - 15 January 2007

Environment and Rural Development Committee

Convener

10 June 2003 - 15 January 2007

conveners group

Member

04 June 2003 - 10 June 2003

Environment and Rural Development Committee

Member

06 March 2003 - 31 March 2003

European and External Relations Committee

Member

31 October 2002 - 31 March 2003

Audit Committee

Member

26 September 2002 - 31 March 2003

Social Justice Committee

Substitute Member

29 November 2001 - 05 March 2003

European Committee

Member

07 March 2002 - 27 June 2002

Scottish Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Bill Committee

Member

21 March 2001 - 28 November 2001

Minister for Transport and Planning

Scottish Government

02 November 2000 - 21 March 2001

Minister for Transport and Telecommunications

Scottish Government

19 May 1999 - 01 November 2000

Minister for Transport and the Environment

Scottish Government

Register of interests

Sarah's register of interests

MSPs must provide details of their financial interests in the Register of Interests. They make an initial statement on becoming or being returned as an MSP. This is then updated with any changes they provide.

Here is the register for Sarah Boyack. The date of their initial statement was 08 June 2021.

Remuneration and related undertaking

I worked as Head of Public Affairs for the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, Sutherland House, 149 St Vincent St, Glasgow G2 5NW, part time for the first three weeks from February 2017, then full time from March 2017. I left the post on 12 July 2019 and was returned to Parliament on 15 July 2019. On 26 July 2019, I received a final salary payment of between £1,001 and £2,000 representing the outstanding salary owed to me.

Gifts

No registrable interests

Overseas visits

No registrable interests

From 16 to 18 October 2024, I visited Stuttgart, Germany to meet with representatives of the energy company, EnBW (Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, Durlacher Allee 93, 76131, Karlsruhe). The purpose of the visit was to find out more about the work done by EnBW in Germany and across the UK to learn lessons for GB Energy, and encourage more investment in Scotland. The programme also included meeting other political parties to discuss resetting and strengthening relationships with the EU. The cost of my accommodation, transport and meals during my time in Germany was £721.50, and was met by EnBW. [Registered 15 November 2024]

Controlled transactions

No registrable interests

Heritable property

No registrable interests

Interest in shares

No registrable interests

Voluntary

I am a Vice President of the European Movement in Scotland.

I am a member of Spokes - The Lothian Cycle Campaign.

On 9 August 2024 I attended the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as a guest of Jason Barrett, CEO of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (1-3 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QB). The cost of the ticket was £445.00. [Registered 3 October 2024]

I am a member of both Unison and Community Trade Unions.

I am a member of The Cooperative Party.

I am a member of the Edinburgh Solar COOP.

On 5 December 2023 I received a gift of a food hamper valued at approximately £150 from Community Windpower Ltd (Godscroft Lane, Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 6XU). The gift was to me as an individual. [Registered 21 December 2023]

I am a member of Friends of the Earth Scotland.

I worked as a temporary and part time lecturer at Heriot Watt University teaching Planning and Environmental Studies from September 2016 until March 2017.

Recent Activity

What was said

What Sarah Boyack has said in Parliament

These are the official transcripts of what was said by this MSP in the chamber and at committee meetings. You'll find the topic discussed and how many times this MSP has contributed to the discussion.

Chamber meeting date: 8 October 2025

Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 (Scottish Carbon Budgets) Amendment Regulations 2025

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "This debate is crucial. We all know that we are here because the Scottish Government did not meet its annual climate targets in nine out of 13 years, even though the targets were capable of being met…

Chamber meeting date: 2 October 2025

Decarbonising Homes

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "Given the huge potential of heat pumps, will the Scottish Government consider reintroducing financial support for householders to install solar panels as a first step to installing heat pumps…

Chamber meeting date: 1 October 2025

Protecting Scotland’s Fire Service

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "Will the minister take an intervention?"

Chamber meeting date: 25 September 2025

Heat Networks

7. Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its progress on the development and expansion of heat networks across Scotland, including any plans it has to accelerate deployment to meet heat network decarbonisation targets…

Chamber meeting date: 25 September 2025

Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "I welcome Ben Macpherson to his new post and thank the committee and all those involved in the scrutiny of the bill for their hard work…

Votes

How Sarah Boyack has voted in Parliament

Find out how Sarah Boyack has voted recently.

Motion ref. S6M-19275

Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill - UK Legislation

Submitted by: Shirley-Anne Somerville, Dunfermline, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Supported by: Kaukab Stewart
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Thursday, October 9, 2025

Result 81 for, 10 against, 23 abstained, 15 did not vote

MSP voted for

Agreed

Motion ref. S6M-19276

Planning and Infrastructure Bill - UK Legislation

Submitted by: Gillian Martin, Aberdeenshire East, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Supported by: Graeme Dey
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Thursday, October 9, 2025

Result 87 for, 23 against, 1 abstained, 18 did not vote

MSP voted for

Agreed

Motion ref. S6M-19128

Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill

Submitted by: Douglas Ross, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Thursday, October 9, 2025

Result 52 for, 63 against, 0 abstained, 14 did not vote

MSP voted for

Disagreed

Motion ref. S6M-19269

Approval of SSI

Submitted by: Graeme Dey, Angus South, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Result 51 for, 25 against, 33 abstained, 20 did not vote

MSP abstained

Agreed

Motion ref. S6M-19268

Suspension of Standing Orders

Submitted by: Graeme Dey, Angus South, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Result 85 for, 0 against, 26 abstained, 18 did not vote

MSP voted for

Agreed

Motions

Questions

Questions Sarah Boyack has asked

These are the questions that this MSP has asked in Parliament. It also includes any answer to those questions.

Question reference: S6W-41116

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged:9 October 2025

Current Status: Answer expected on 6 November 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the equality implications of removing independent counselling grants from beneficiaries of the Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme and their families, particularly in relation to women carers affected by bereavement and trauma."

Question reference: S6W-41106

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged:9 October 2025

Current Status: Answer expected on 6 November 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of section 2 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, which enables the transfer of functions to the Infected Blood Compensation Authority, for what reason the transfer of counselling support functions has not been negotiated or implemented prior to the removal of Scottish independent counselling grants."

Question reference: S6W-41110

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged:9 October 2025

Current Status: Answer expected on 6 November 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will reinstate independent counselling grants for beneficiaries of the Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme and their families until the full transfer of functions to the Infected Blood Compensation Authority is completed."

Question reference: S6W-41112

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged:9 October 2025

Current Status: Answer expected on 6 November 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government how it is ensuring parity of support for beneficiaries of the Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme and their families, compared with those in other UK nations."

Question reference: S6W-41111

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged:9 October 2025

Current Status: Answer expected on 6 November 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason independent counselling grants have been withdrawn for beneficiaries of the Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme, in light of similar grants continuing in England, Wales and Northern Ireland."

Question reference: S6W-41113

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged:9 October 2025

Current Status: Answer expected on 6 November 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with the (a) UK Government and (b) Infected Blood Compensation Authority regarding the continuation of counselling support for beneficiaries of the Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme and their families."

Question reference: S6W-41115

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged:9 October 2025

Current Status: Answer expected on 6 November 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government how it will monitor and evaluate the wellbeing outcomes of beneficiaries of the Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme and their families following the withdrawal of independent counselling grants."

Question reference: S6W-41117

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged:9 October 2025

Current Status: Answer expected on 6 November 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government whether the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health will meet with beneficiaries of the Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme and their families to discuss the impact of the decision to remove independent counselling grants."

Question reference: S6W-41109

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged:9 October 2025

Current Status: Answer expected on 6 November 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any mental health impact of removing the independent counselling grant from beneficiaries of the Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme and their families."

Question reference: S6W-41107

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged:9 October 2025

Current Status: Answer expected on 6 November 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government what risk assessments were conducted before deciding to withdraw independent counselling grants under the Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme."

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