Top post's pension change mooted

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The First Minister Alex Salmond could lose his right to a pension for life, payable from when he stands down.

At the moment former first ministers, like Jack McConnell, receive an annual Â£38,000 pension when they leave office.

The BBC understands that Holyrood's pensions committee will recommend that in future, pensions should be linked to length of service and paid at 65.

Former first minister Henry McLeish served one year in office and gets the Â£38,000 annual pension.

The BBC understands that the proposed reforms also cover pension-arrangements for retiring presiding officers.

At present they receive about Â£20,000 a year as soon as they step down.

If approved, the changes could save the Scottish Parliament's pension scheme Â£1m every four years.

The committee is due to report to Holyrood in May.