Three resignations from key Scottish Government body on poverty

Three resign from Poverty and Inequality Commission saying there is a ‘loss of confidence and trust’

Three commissioners have resigned from the Scottish Government’s poverty advisory on poverty.

The resignations from the Poverty and Inequality Commission, which provides independent advice on poverty to Scottish ministers, comes only hours before Humza Yousaf sets out his Programme for Government.

The First Minister is expected to say tackling child poverty is his Government’s top priority.

First Minister Humza Yousaf. Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images.

However, the Daily Record reports Linda Bamford, one of the commission members, has written to a Holyrood committee saying there is a “loss of confidence and trust” in the chair Bill Scott. Mr Scott has also resigned, citing health grounds.

In her letter, Ms Bamford said: “The last few weeks have been an extremely stressful and anxious period as myself and my fellow commissioners were not aware that our chair had nominated us for reappointment.

“Our engagement with the chair to recover this difficult situation has resulted in a loss of confidence and trust in the chair.

“After several subsequent meetings with our sponsor team, and due to the professionally compromised and untenable situation we were put in, my fellow commissioners and I tendered our resignations to the Cabinet secretary for social justice on August 9, 2023.”

The commissioners are now working a three-month notice period.

In response, social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I am grateful to the chair and commissioners for their long contribution to the Poverty and Inequality Commission and thank them for their service. I am sorry Mr Scott has had to resign due to health grounds and wish him well.”