Jack McConnell calls for overhaul of Scottish Parliament

Published on Monday 28 February 2011 12:06

The Scottish Parliament is failing in its role as a focal point for national debate and ministerial scrutiny and is in need of "radical change", former First Minister Jack McConnell said today.

• Jack McConnell

The Motherwell and Wishaw MSP, now known as Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale, said Holyrood can lack spontaneity, dynamism and "topicality" in its debates.

He also called for the institution to become more business-like and blamed the parliamentary structures for contributing to what he sees as Holyrood's problems.

The former First Minister, who will leave the Scottish Parliament at the next election, has reportedly written to the Presiding Officer and the Scottish party leaders, calling for an overhaul of the way the Parliament operates.

Lord McConnell told BBC Radio Scotland today: "I think there is a lack of spontaneity. There's a lack of, at times, perhaps dynamism and topicality in the debates and the questions that are being asked in the chamber."

He said Holyrood has a "reasonably good track record" over the last 12 years in passing good legislation, but that he believes it is "failing to provide that focal point for national debate and level of scrutiny of the ministers in the Government and Executive".

"I think as a result of that, radical change is required," he told Good Morning Scotland.

Lord McConnell suggested his views were backed by a number of other MSPs.

The former First Minister has put forward several suggestions with a view to improving the way Holyrood goes about its business.

He has suggested that when the government loses a vote, the relevant minister should make a statement to Parliament.

He also believes the full Parliament should meet on at least three days a week, rather than the current day-and-a-half.

He said the Parliament can lack seriousness and should become more business-like.