HOLYROOD’S newest MSP was sworn in on Tuesday morning, making her the first to pledge allegiance to the new King.
Roz McCall was elevated to the Scottish Parliament earlier in the month without an election following the abrupt resignation of Dean Lockhart, a Conservative MSP for the Mid Scotland and Fife region.
Because of a quirk in Scotland’s election system, it was not necessary to hold a by-election because Lockhart was a “list” MSP.
While constituency representatives are elected by the traditional first-past-the-post system, regional MSPs are elected on a second ballot which allocates votes based on a form of proportional representation to other parties.
McCall, being the next person down the list of Conservative candidates was therefore given the seat in accordance with the normal procedure for a parliamentary resignation.
She took her oath in Holyrood, which resumed sitting after a hiatus period brought about by the death of the Queen, on Tuesday before members paid tribute to the late monarch.
While MPs in Westminster will retake their oaths to reflect the change in the monarchy, the Scottish Parliament does not require this of MSPs.
The only other Holyrood politician to swear a new oath to Charles will be Douglas Ross, but this will be in his capacity as an MP and not a member of the Edinburgh parliament.
Other MSPs will be required to retake their oath following the next election, or in the event there is another resignation or by-election in between votes.
