SNP accused of ‘cronyism and corruption’ after former president’s appointment
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has been accused of “cronyism and corruption” after rubber-stamping the appointment of its former president as chairman of a Scottish Government-funded quango inspecting land reform.
Holyrood permitted the appointment of Mike Russell to the Scottish land fee by 64 votes to 54, because of the backing of SNP and Greens MSPs.
The function will see him advise Scottish ministers on their agenda of breaking apart the nation’s giant sporting estates to make land possession extra numerous.
Mr Russell held a sequence of posts within the Scottish Cabinet earlier than stepping down as an MSP on the 2021 Holyrood election. He was later appointed SNP president, till leaving the publish earlier this month to take the land fee function.
He was advisable for the function by an impartial panel, which was then topic to parliamentary approval. However, he’s a controversial determine, having beforehand described his political opponents as “enemies”.
Mairi Gougeon, the SNP’s Land Reform Secretary, stated the code of follow for the appointment ensured the “most able candidates” have been advisable.
She stated: “We have a course of for these appointments. This is strong, honest, clear and accountable.
“I due to this fact, welcome its advice in its report back to Parliament that Michael Russell be permitted as the subsequent chair of the Scottish land fee.”
‘Reek of nepotism’
But Stephen Kerr, a Scottish Tory MSP, questioned his “suitability” as an “appropriate person to hold such a critical and sensitive role”.
“On top of that there is the stench of cronyism and deep cynicism from the SNP to put forward this name at this moment, on the very last moment on the very last sitting day before the Christmas recess,” he advised MSPs.
“Mike Russell has engaged in personal abuse as stock in trade for his style of politics. He has gone beyond the boundary of robust political debate.”
Douglas Lumsden, one other Scottish Tory MSP, advised the chamber the appointment was a “job for the boys” and that it “reeked of nepotism”.
He added: “This is a bad judgment appointment that will not build bridges, but will sow division and be bad for our rural sector.”
The vote additionally noticed Prof Deborah Roberts and Craig Mackenzie appointed to the fee’s board.
Mr Russell tweeted: “Grateful to @ScotParl for approval today of my appointment as chair designate of @ScottishLandCom after an open, competitive, independent process.”
