Thu Sep 12 09:05:57 UTC 2024: ## Former Scottish Minister Elected Chair of Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee

**London, UK** – Glasgow West MP Patricia Ferguson has been elected as the new chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee at Westminster, securing the position by a narrow margin of two votes. This marks a significant shift in the committee’s leadership, with Ferguson defeating Livingston MP Gregor Poynton.

Ferguson, a former Labour MSP and Culture Minister, takes over from the SNP’s Pete Wishart, who held the position since 2015. However, the SNP lost their right to chair the committee following the recent general election, where they returned only nine MPs.

The Scottish Affairs Committee plays a crucial role in scrutinizing the work of the Scotland Office and examining the relationship between Westminster and the Scottish Parliament. The chair’s role is particularly important, with Ferguson receiving an additional £18,309 on top of her regular salary, bringing her total annual earnings to £109,655.

In her acceptance speech, Ferguson highlighted the committee’s vital function: “This Committee is pivotal in the relationship between Westminster and Holyrood, and I will ensure that it gives a voice to people across Scotland.” She also expressed her commitment to working with colleagues from all parties to properly scrutinize government decisions affecting Scotland.

Ferguson acknowledged her experience as a minister, stating that it would be invaluable in the new role: “I know what it’s like to be scrutinized by a committee and also to be on the other side… and to be a member of the committee scrutinizing the government.” She emphasized the importance of a robust and critical relationship between the government and the committee, and pledged to ensure fairness and transparency in the committee’s work.

Ferguson’s election is seen as a potential shift in the committee’s focus, with some suggesting that she will be less forgiving towards the SNP government than her predecessor. This remains to be seen, however, as Ferguson has indicated she will not hesitate to criticize any government, including the current UK government, when necessary.

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