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That is excellent. Thank you.

I am sorry, Joe—do you want to come in?

I was just going to say that, if you want to say more about where the Government is with that, it might be beneficial.

Therefore, you do not have a timescale for that at the moment.

I have no intention of polling committee members now on their individual views. As a committee, we, too, would need to take evidence on that. However, in practical terms, how do you intend to take that evidence from members of the Scottish Parliament? I very much echo the attitude of the Scottish Government that this bill belongs, and election bills generally belong, in essence, to Parliament, to be facilitated by the Scottish Government. On such issues, it would be useful to know how you intend to conduct that consultation.

Absolutely, and I welcome the comments in a number of formats about seeking the views of this committee. I find that both reassuring and helpful. Of course, the committee’s views have to be based, in some way, on evidence that we hear, and that is an opportunity for people outside of the Parliament at various levels to participate.

Minister, I thank you and your officials for attending today—it is always illuminating—and we will be in touch with you through correspondence.

Excellent. Welcome, Joe FitzPatrick. Do you have any relevant interests to declare?

Excellent. Thank you very much.

Before we move to our second agenda item, does the committee agree that I should write to former members Jackie Dunbar and Alasdair Allan to thank them for their service on the committee?

Members indicated agreement.

Good morning. I welcome everyone to the 18th meeting in 2024 of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee. I have received no apologies this morning.

The first agenda item is to welcome two new members to the committee in the form of Ruth Maguire MSP and Joe FitzPatrick MSP and to take declarations of interest. Welcome, Ruth Maguire. Do you have any relevant interests to declare?

The second agenda item is to choose a deputy convener. The Parliament has agreed that only members of the Scottish National Party are eligible for nomination as deputy convener of this committee. I invite—rather pointedly—Joe FitzPatrick to say whether there is anyone that he would like to nominate for the role of deputy convener.

Excellent. There is no requirement for a seconder.

Ruth Maguire was chosen as deputy convener.