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Alexander makes election apology Alexander makes election apology
(40 minutes later)
Former Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander has apologised for his role in the Scottish elections fiasco. Former Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander has apologised for his role in the May elections fiasco.
Mr Alexander, now international development minister, had faced calls for his resignation after a critical report into the ballots. Mr Alexander, now international development secretary, had faced calls for his resignation after a critical report into the ballots.
His apology came as First Minister Alex Salmond called for control over all Scottish elections to be transferred to the Scottish Government. His apology came as First Minister Alex Salmond said control over all Scottish elections should be transferred to the Scottish Government.
More than 140,000 votes were spoilt in May's council and Holyrood elections.More than 140,000 votes were spoilt in May's council and Holyrood elections.
International expert Ron Gould's report claimed that Scottish ministers - in Edinburgh and London - had focused on partisan political interests and voters were treated as an "afterthought".International expert Ron Gould's report claimed that Scottish ministers - in Edinburgh and London - had focused on partisan political interests and voters were treated as an "afterthought".
Mr Alexander said: "I, of course, apologise for any actions or omissions on my part which contributed to the problems encountered in the Scottish elections." I, of course, apologise for any actions or omissions on my part which contributed to the problems encountered in the Scottish elections Douglas AlexanderFormer Scottish secretary
The elections saw a new ballot paper design brought in and a new voting system for the council seats.
Mr Alexander made his apology ahead of Prime Minister's Question Time, where Tory leader David Cameron described the mishandling of the Scottish elections as a "scandal".
However, Gordon Brown told the Commons the Gould report made clear that no one individual or organisation was to blame and accused the Conservatives of misleading people over its contents.
Mr Alexander said: "I, of course, apologise for any actions or omissions on my part which contributed to the problems encountered in the Scottish elections.
He said the Scotland Office consulted widely upon the proposal for a single ballot paper, commended by the independent Arbuthnott Commission.
"That consultation produced an overwhelming consensus amongst Scotland's political parties for a single ballot paper." Mr Alexander added.
"I therefore reject any interpretation of the Gould report that seeks to imply any other motivation."
The report also recommended that Scottish ministers oversee both votes.The report also recommended that Scottish ministers oversee both votes.
Scottish Secretary Des Browne said he would discuss the issue but was unconvinced about the need for change.Scottish Secretary Des Browne said he would discuss the issue but was unconvinced about the need for change.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS A chief returning officer for ScotlandSeparate days for parliament and local electionsSeparate ballot papers to stop confusionNo overnight counting if polls continue to close at 10pmReturn to folded ballot papers to increase secrecyElectronic counting to be incorporated properlyParty names to appear first on the ballot paper Report findings: At-a-glanceKEY RECOMMENDATIONS A chief returning officer for ScotlandSeparate days for parliament and local electionsSeparate ballot papers to stop confusionNo overnight counting if polls continue to close at 10pmReturn to folded ballot papers to increase secrecyElectronic counting to be incorporated properlyParty names to appear first on the ballot paper Report findings: At-a-glance
The report into the May ballots said one body should be responsible for both, with Holyrood the "logical choice".The report into the May ballots said one body should be responsible for both, with Holyrood the "logical choice".
The Electoral Commission-sanctioned inquiry said there should be separate election days for Holyrood and local councils and that future elections should consider the voter above all else.The Electoral Commission-sanctioned inquiry said there should be separate election days for Holyrood and local councils and that future elections should consider the voter above all else.
Mr Salmond, who will make a statement to the Scottish Parliament, said the findings raised "extremely serious issues".Mr Salmond, who will make a statement to the Scottish Parliament, said the findings raised "extremely serious issues".
The elections saw a new ballot paper design brought in and a new voting system for the council seats.
The first minister endorsed the suggestion Holyrood should take overall control and has written to Prime Minister Gordon Brown urging talks to resolve the issue.The first minister endorsed the suggestion Holyrood should take overall control and has written to Prime Minister Gordon Brown urging talks to resolve the issue.
However, Mr Browne said if the council elections were held on a different day from the Holyrood poll, then the logic for single control vanishes.However, Mr Browne said if the council elections were held on a different day from the Holyrood poll, then the logic for single control vanishes.