13 January 2019

Labour MSP Neil Findlay has lodged a Member’s Bill at the Scottish Parliament calling for a ban on second jobs for MSPs.

The bill, lodged on Friday January 11 2019, aims to prevent conflicts of interest and the misuse of MSPs time for financial gain.

It follows on from Mr Findlay’s previous Member’s Bill which sought to limit the influence of lobbyists at the Scottish Parliament, a bill that eventually led to the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016.

Neil said:

“Trust in politicians, governments and the wider political process is, arguably, at an all-time low.

“When someone is elected to Parliament they are carrying out a public duty, and I believe the focus of MSPs should reflect the importance of that position, if it doesn’t – then the rules should enforce it.

“MSPs are elected to serve the people and in most cases that is exactly what they do. Sadly in a number of cases some MSPs have stretched the limits of acceptability and caused harm to the reputation of the Parliament.

“My bill is intended to put an end to MSPs taking a healthy wage from the public purse and then earning thousands on top when they should be serving their constituents.

“It does not seek to ban all outside interests outright.

"This isn’t about stopping MSPs using their expertise, it’s about making sure they are best used in the Parliament, for the people.”



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