Kezia Dugdale fails to register vote, allowing Scottish Government to win vote on council tax reform

A vote on the Scottish Government's council tax reform proposals has been passed in dramatic fashion amid claims there was a fault in the electronic voting system.

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale’s vote was not registered in a tied amendment on the plans, allowing the Scottish Government to avoid defeat.

While Dugdale did vote in support of a successful Conservative motion which said the Government’s council tax plans undermined the role of local government, she failed to register a vote for the amended motion, despite being present in the chamber.

The result, a 63-all tie, was settled by a casting vote from Presiding Officer Ken McIntosh, who voted against the amended motion.

Scottish Labour said there had been a technical problem which led to Dugdale’s vote not being registered, and the party will be appealing to the Presiding Officer on why the vote was not cast.

SNP's George Adam said: "Lone ranger Kezia Dugdale managed to defy the rest of her party – taking her new found autonomy literally."

But Scottish Labour has called for an investigation.

The party's Business Manager James Kelly said: “Every Scottish Labour MSP voted against the government today. We have complained to the parliamentary authorities."