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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Start of new parliament postponed | Start of new parliament postponed |
| (about 5 hours later) | |
| The new presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament will not be elected until next week, it has been announced. | The new presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament will not be elected until next week, it has been announced. |
| MSPs will be sworn in on Wednesday, but Holyrood must elect a presiding officer at its first meeting. | MSPs will be sworn in on Wednesday, but Holyrood must elect a presiding officer at its first meeting. |
| The MSP who takes up the position cannot vote in parliament and this is said to be causing issues for the parties following the election result. | The MSP who takes up the position cannot vote in parliament and this is said to be causing issues for the parties following the election result. |
| A motion is to be put forward which will allow the Scottish Parliament to meet on 14 May. | A motion is to be put forward which will allow the Scottish Parliament to meet on 14 May. |
| Out-going Presiding Officer George Reid said: "After discussion with the main parties it has been agreed that parliament will vote on a motion to adjourn the first meeting until next Monday afternoon. | Out-going Presiding Officer George Reid said: "After discussion with the main parties it has been agreed that parliament will vote on a motion to adjourn the first meeting until next Monday afternoon. |
| We support the suggestion that the presiding officer election should be delayed until Monday Jack McConnellScottish Labour leader class="" href="/1/hi/in_pictures/6637255.stm">In Pictures: Kirking of Holyrood | |
| "Given the election result, it is right that members have enough time to consider nominations for prospective candidates." | "Given the election result, it is right that members have enough time to consider nominations for prospective candidates." |
| The election saw the SNP win 47 seats in the 129-member parliament, one seat more than Labour. | The election saw the SNP win 47 seats in the 129-member parliament, one seat more than Labour. |
| The Scottish Tories have 17 seats, the Scottish Liberal Democrats have 16 and the Greens two. | The Scottish Tories have 17 seats, the Scottish Liberal Democrats have 16 and the Greens two. |
| Read Brian Taylor's blog on this fast-moving Holyrood story | Read Brian Taylor's blog on this fast-moving Holyrood story |
| Scottish Labour Leader Jack McConnell said party MSPs had not taken a decision on whether one of their number should make a bid to become presiding officer. | Scottish Labour Leader Jack McConnell said party MSPs had not taken a decision on whether one of their number should make a bid to become presiding officer. |
| "We support the suggestion that the presiding officer election should be delayed until Monday to give the parliament time to select the right person," he said. | "We support the suggestion that the presiding officer election should be delayed until Monday to give the parliament time to select the right person," he said. |
| Jack McConnell has backed the postponement | Jack McConnell has backed the postponement |
| "That's a sensible move given that George Reid is in position until that election takes place." | "That's a sensible move given that George Reid is in position until that election takes place." |
| Mr McConnell added: "I think it would be accurate to say that there are many members of the group who feel that the new presiding officer should come from one of the smaller parties." | Mr McConnell added: "I think it would be accurate to say that there are many members of the group who feel that the new presiding officer should come from one of the smaller parties." |
| Independent Margo MacDonald, who was re-elected, has considered putting her name forward for the position. | Independent Margo MacDonald, who was re-elected, has considered putting her name forward for the position. |
| Under the Scotland Act, parliament must meet within seven days of an election, making the current deadline 15 May. | Under the Scotland Act, parliament must meet within seven days of an election, making the current deadline 15 May. |
| Parliament will also be tasked with electing deputy presiding officers. | Parliament will also be tasked with electing deputy presiding officers. |