Setting up of Scottish Parliament committees delayed

MSPs have agreed to delay the setting up of committees in the Scottish Parliament, amid reports that the parties on the Parliamentary Bureau are struggling to agree.

According to the Scottish Parliament standing orders, certain mandatory committees must be set up within 21 days of the election, but last night MSPs voted to extend that to 30 days.

Mandatory committees include standards, procedures and public appointments; finance; public audit; Europe and external relations; equalities and human rights; public petitions; and delegated powers and law reform.

A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said: “The Parliamentary Bureau continues to consider the structure and make-up of committees.

“A further meeting is planned for Monday to discuss this issue and in the meantime, a motion to vary standing orders has been lodged today to extend the timetable for agreeing establishment of committees.”