Remit
The legal framework for electing the Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officers is set out in the Parliament’s founding legislation, the Scotland Act 1998. Last year the Scotland Act 2012 made some amendments to the original act including in relation to Presiding Officer elections.
The Scotland Act changes need to be reflected in the Parliament’s standing orders. At the start of this Session, the Committee received representations suggesting that it should review the procedures for Presiding Officer elections. As this part of the standing orders has not been reviewed since 1999, the Committee decided to take a broad look at the rules to make sure they are still fit for purpose.
Timetable
The Committee published its report on 10 December 2013.
The Committee’s inquiry was debated in the Chamber of the Scottish Parliament on 29 January 2014.
Evidence
The call for evidence closed on 24 May 2013.
Written submissions received
Report
The Committee published its report on 10 December 2013.
Read the report
Debate