Seòmar agus comataidhean

I want to ask about the Electoral Management Board and the change in its structure that the bill proposes. What work are you involved in with the Scottish Government and the EMB on that? What is your focus in respect of the proposed changes to the EMB?

Once the correct legal entity has been identified, do you think that, given that the funding will come from the Scottish Government, there is a risk of some perception of political interference, which, as we have heard today, does not exist in relation to your role as electoral commissioner, because of the structures that give strength to your independence? Could the proposed change to the structure of the EMB put at risk its independence, which at the moment relates to its voluntary nature and the fact that the work of those involved is all done in addition to their jobs? The very diverse nature of the people who form the EMB is a source of strength when it comes to its independence.

Is there value in applying the same test to elected positions in Scotland, irrespective of whether those are elections to local authorities or to the Scottish Parliament? Is there an advantage to the same rules applying to all, or are there reasons to apply a different approach because of where an institution sits in the hierarchy?

An element of much of the evidence that we have heard today is that it benefits democracy to have consistency, transparency and understanding at all levels.

Do you have any views on the proposal to allow foreign nationals with limited leave to remain to stand for elections? I raise that because of our earlier discussion about the reduction in overseas expenditure.

That should be sooner rather than later—I read that between the lines on all this.

We have reached that marvellous mop-up moment in the meeting. The bill covers a huge variety of issues, some of which we have not had a chance to go into. Before I ask about those other little bits for the quick-fire thoughts round, is there anything in the bill that you would like to mention?

Do we know authoritatively that voters can apply that critical assessment to what is put in front of them?

If anything comes to you once you have had the opportunity to consider what has been discussed today, please feel free to write to us. I hope that you will not mind reciprocating if we correspond with you later.

I thank Dame Susan Bruce, Louise Edwards and Andy O’Neill for their attendance today.

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

Our first agenda item is a decision on taking business in private. Do members agree to take in private item 3, which is consideration of the evidence that we will hear from two panels on the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill at stage 1?

Members indicated agreement.

Our second agenda item is to welcome the first panel, which is Ailsa Henderson, who we can still call the new chair of Boundaries Scotland—welcome to your first appearance before us—and Colin Wilson, electoral boundaries review manager for Boundaries Scotland.

I will kick off with some questions. I am content for both of you to answer questions if you have contributions to make, or indeed for only one person to answer, if that is easier.

My first question is about the proposal in the bill to move the deadline for the review of aspects of local authority elections from 31 December 2028 to 30 April 3031. [Interruption.]

Yes—2031. It would an incredible wait if it was 3031.

The issue covers your dual roles. Your Boundary Commission for Scotland Commissioner role relates to Westminster elections, which is distinct from your other role as chair of Boundaries Scotland, which has responsibility for the Scottish local authorities and the Scottish Parliament elections.