First Minister John Swinney is being questioned by the conveners of all 16 Holyrood committees, in two public sessions on 30 September and 6 October.
These are his first appearances before the Scottish Parliament’s Conveners Group since his re-election in May. Each session starts at 12:30pm and is expected to last about an hour. Members of the public can attend.
What is the Conveners Group?
The group brings together the conveners, or chairs, of Holyrood’s committees. They share approaches and jointly push for scrutiny of the Scottish Government. Possible topics include the Programme for Government, priorities for the next Budget and plans for public-sector reform.
Who is asking the questions
The conveners are split across the two sessions. They are Stuart McMillan (Climate Action), David Linden (Criminal Justice), Calum Kerr (Delegated Powers and Law Reform), Karen Adam (Education and Gaelic), Katie Hagmann (Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice), Paul Sweeney (Public Petitions), Mark Ruskell (Rural Affairs), Jenni Minto (Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments), Duncan Massey (Economy, Tourism and Energy), Patrick Harvie (Europe, External Affairs and Culture), Clare Haughey (Finance and Public Administration), Helen McDade (Health, Care and Sport), Neil Bibby (Public Audit), Bob Doris (Public Service Reform), Craig Hoy (Social Justice, Housing and Local Government) and Willie Rennie (Transport).
Chaired by the Presiding Officer
Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson MSP, who chairs the group, said committees are central to scrutinising the Scottish Government, and that the sessions give conveners a public forum to put the First Minister “under the spotlight”.
Check the Parliament’s website for schedule changes and official reports of the sessions.
