MSP to join interview panel for next chair of Scottish Police Authority
Labour MSP Mary Fee accepted an invitation from the Scottish Government to be part of the selection process
An MSP will have input into the appointment of the next chair of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) following pressure from opposition parties.
The Scottish Government announced that Mary Fee MSP, convener of Holyrood's Justice Sub-Committee on Policing, is to join the selection panel for the role.
Labour, the Conservatives, Greens and Liberal Democrats had previously called for MSPs to be handed the power to appoint a successor to outgoing chair Andrew Flanagan, but ministers said this would require a change in the law.
Mr Flanagan announced his resignation in June after sustained criticism over transparency and governance at the SPA.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: "The role of SPA chair is to work with Police Scotland and the communities it serves to contribute to making Scotland safer and stronger.
"Having committed to considering how the Parliament could have an enhanced role in this appointment, within the established statutory process, I have invited Mary Fee MSP, in her capacity of convener to the Justice Sub-Committee, to join the panel for the upcoming shortlisting and interviews.
"I am very pleased to say that Ms Fee has accepted my invitation and that the process for appointing a new chair is progressing well."
Scottish Labour welcomed the move but said the law should be changed for future appointments.
Justice spokeswoman Claire Baker MSP said: "This is an important step towards increasing transparency and confidence in the SPA.
"We now need legislative change to ensure proper parliamentary scrutiny is the norm - not the exception."
Liam McArthur MSP, for the Liberal Democrats, said: "While this move is a step in the right direction, the Justice Secretary must also now commit to meaningful longer term reforms that will build in more democratic accountability in future.
"Given the controversy surrounding the SPA since it's establishment, and particularly over recent months, it is important that ways are found to allow an enhanced role for Parliament and local authorities in oversight going forward.
"This may well require legislative change, but the sooner that process is initiated the better."