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Tories criticise SQA appointment | Tories criticise SQA appointment |
(about 4 hours later) | |
The Scottish Government has been criticised by the Conservatives after appointing an SNP council head to lead the Scottish Qualifications Authority. | The Scottish Government has been criticised by the Conservatives after appointing an SNP council head to lead the Scottish Qualifications Authority. |
Stirling Council leader Graham Houston will take on the part-time role from 1 February and will serve for four years. | Stirling Council leader Graham Houston will take on the part-time role from 1 February and will serve for four years. |
His appointment was revealed by Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop who said he would bring "strong leadership abilities" to the role. | His appointment was revealed by Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop who said he would bring "strong leadership abilities" to the role. |
However, the Tories accused the government of "cronyism". | However, the Tories accused the government of "cronyism". |
Mr Houston became leader of Stirling Council in March 2008 after being elected to serve the authority the previous year. | Mr Houston became leader of Stirling Council in March 2008 after being elected to serve the authority the previous year. |
'Clearly incompatible' | 'Clearly incompatible' |
Conservative deputy leader Murdo Fraser said: "Whilst it appears that Mr Houston is well qualified for the position, his appointment will inevitably give rise to accusations of cronyism. | Conservative deputy leader Murdo Fraser said: "Whilst it appears that Mr Houston is well qualified for the position, his appointment will inevitably give rise to accusations of cronyism. |
"I would expect that at the very least Mr Houston will now be stepping down as leader of Stirling Council, as such a high-profile political role is clearly incompatible with holding the chair of a public body such as the SQA." | "I would expect that at the very least Mr Houston will now be stepping down as leader of Stirling Council, as such a high-profile political role is clearly incompatible with holding the chair of a public body such as the SQA." |
Mr Houston's appointment to the post carries a salary of £13,439 for a minimum commitment of 52 days a year. | Mr Houston's appointment to the post carries a salary of £13,439 for a minimum commitment of 52 days a year. |
The Scottish Government said he had more than 20 years experience in management development and executive coaching, and has held senior positions in the travel and leisure industries. | The Scottish Government said he had more than 20 years experience in management development and executive coaching, and has held senior positions in the travel and leisure industries. |
Before setting up his own management coaching consultancy, he was Scottish director of the Work Foundation, formerly known as the Industrial Society. | Before setting up his own management coaching consultancy, he was Scottish director of the Work Foundation, formerly known as the Industrial Society. |
Until his election as an SNP councillor in Stirling in 2007, he was vice-chairman of the BBC's Audience Council Scotland, and chaired Scottish and UK training award panels. | Until his election as an SNP councillor in Stirling in 2007, he was vice-chairman of the BBC's Audience Council Scotland, and chaired Scottish and UK training award panels. |
'On merit' | |
Ms Hyslop said: "I am delighted that Graham Houston has agreed to become the new chair of the SQA. | Ms Hyslop said: "I am delighted that Graham Houston has agreed to become the new chair of the SQA. |
"The wealth of executive and non-executive experience he brings to the SQA from a range of senior roles, along with his strong leadership abilities, will ensure SQA is ready to meet the future challenges and opportunities it faces." | "The wealth of executive and non-executive experience he brings to the SQA from a range of senior roles, along with his strong leadership abilities, will ensure SQA is ready to meet the future challenges and opportunities it faces." |
The Scottish Government said the ministerial public appointment was made in accordance with "the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice". | The Scottish Government said the ministerial public appointment was made in accordance with "the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice". |
It insisted "all appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process". | It insisted "all appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process". |
A spokesman for Ms Hyslop accused the Tory deputy leader of not checking his facts. | |
He said the 26 chairmanship appointments made so far by the Scottish Government included two with Labour connections, one Lib Dem, one Independent, and Mr Houston. | |
"The rest have no declared affiliation of any kind," said the spokesman. |
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