Elma Murray appointed interim chair of the Accounts Commission

The Accounts Commission has appointed Elma Murray as its new interim chair, following the resignation of Graham Sharp from the role.

With Sharp announcing he would step down for health reasons after three years as chair, Local Government Minister Kevin Stewart announced that Murray, the current deputy chair, would take on the job on an interim basis from August, while the Scottish Government recruits for the permanent post.

Murray said: “I would like to pay tribute to Graham’s contribution to the commission and to local government in Scotland. I have enjoyed working with Graham over the past year and I have learned a lot during my time on the commission with him.

“It is an honour to be appointed as interim chair. I am looking forward to continuing to work with the commission, and with Audit Scotland and the Auditor General, to develop the role of public audit in Scotland.”

Sharp had served on the commission since 2009 and as chair since October 2017.

He said: “It has been a great privilege to serve on the Accounts Commission for the past 11 years. The commission plays a crucial role in providing the people of Scotland with independent assurance and scrutiny of local government, and helping drive improvement in public services in Scotland.

“Stepping down is a difficult decision. I am very aware that the commission will have a significant role in reviewing public services following the current pandemic. I have also recently developed a health condition that, while not debilitating, has led me to reconsider my longer-term priorities. In these circumstances I believe it is appropriate to stand down earlier than planned to minimise disruption to the commission’s strategy and focus.”