Dame Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour’s most veteran MSP, has raised alarms about Holyrood’s eroding ability to scrutinize the Scottish Government, advocating for stronger parliamentary committees and better information access.
Dame Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour’s longest-serving MSP since the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, voiced concerns about the effectiveness of Holyrood in its oversight of the Scottish Government. In her remarks, Baillie highlighted what she perceives as the diminishing power of the Parliament in holding the government accountable. She advocated for stronger legislative committees and improved access to information for these bodies.
During her tenure, particularly noted through her involvement in the investigation of mishandled harassment allegations against former First Minister Alex Salmond, Baillie encountered obstacles in acquiring necessary information from the government. This experience underpinned her call for enhanced powers for Parliament to ensure a robust governmental oversight.
In her statement, Baillie also paid homage to the late Donald Dewar, Scotland’s inaugural First Minister, acknowledging his significant contribution to the establishment and evolution of the Scottish Parliament. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the Parliament’s independence and effectiveness in serving the Scottish people, reflecting on the institution’s growth and relevance over 25 years.
