Fife MSP Tricia Marwick has spoken of her “delight” after becoming the first female presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament.
The Mid Fife and Glenrothes member was elected to the role in a secret ballot after all 129 MSPs were officially sworn in at Holyrood on Wednesday.
Speaking exclusively to The Courier, she said, “I am absolutely delighted to be the first woman presiding officer. It is an honour and a privilege.
“In the past four years we have had a very successful presiding officer and I look forward to taking on this important role.”
Ms Marwick (57) takes over from Alex Fergusson, who returned to parliament as a Conservative MSP.
She won the support of the new set of MSPs over her SNP colleague Christine Grahame and Labour MSP Hugh Henry.
Ms Marwick received 73 votes in a final run-off against Mr Henry, who got 55 votes.
Ms Grahame was eliminated in the first round of voting.
Ms Marwick paid tribute to her predecessor in the £100,000-a-year role and pledged to be fair to all parties as presiding officer.
“Can I first of all thank all of my parliamentary colleagues for your support?” she said. Her voice breaking with emotion, she added, “There are some special people who deserve my thanks. It is only with their support and love I can do this job my husband Frankie, my children Louise and Steven, and my lovely grandchildren Roisin and Odhran. I love you all.
“As presiding officer I will be fair to all members and always act in the interests of the Scottish Parliament.”
However, Labour’s business manager Paul Martin said the appointment was a “cause for concern.”
Before last week’s election there was an expectation a Labour politician would become presiding officer, as Conservative, Liberal Democrat and SNP members have held the position in the previous parliaments. “The appointment of the new presiding officer was a big challenge for the new majority government, and it has not got off to a good start,” said Mr Martin. “Labour wants to engage positively with it, but this appointment does not send out the right signal and is a cause for concern.
“It was important to set the right tone as there is a special obligation for the presiding officer to be even-handed and objective and ensure proper scrutiny of the government. This is vital, especially as we now have a single-party majority government and no second chamber.
“Hugh Henry was a very credible candidate as his record as convener of the audit committee proved, and last year he won the Parliamentarian of the Year award.”
Mr Fergusson confessed that having a presiding officer from the same party as the government will present “fresh challenges.”
He added, “Having worked with Tricia Marwick on the corporate body over the past four years, I can testify to her ability to put the interests of this parliament before the interests of any party within it.”
The Conservative’s North East Scotland list MSP, Alex Johnstone, who seconded Ms Marwick’s nomination, said, “I have served with Tricia on the corporate body and consider her a good friend. I have no doubt she will be a fair and committed presiding officer.”
Labour MSP Elaine Smith and Conservative John Scott were subsequently elected to the deputy presiding officer roles.