New convener chosen for Holyrood policing committee

John Finnie MSP - Image credit: Scottish Parliament

Scottish Green justice spokesperson John Finnie has been chosen as the new convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Sub-Committee on Policing.

Committee members elected the former policeman to replace Labour MSP Mary Fee, who resigned from the Justice Committee and the Sub-Committee on Policing last week.

Fee’s place on the committee has been taken up by Daniel Johnson, who became Scottish Labour spokesperson on justice in Richard Leonard’s shadow cabinet before Christmas.

Finnie praised Fee for leading a “consensual” sub-committee and promised to be a “critical friend” to the sector.

Speaking after his election by committee members, he said: "This is a challenging time for policing in Scotland.

"As we approach the fifth anniversary of Police Scotland's creation, we are still learning lessons and uncovering issues.

“As I take over the convenership, I am sure the Sub-Committee on Policing will continue to be a critical friend to the sector.

"I would also like to thank Mary Fee MSP, who served as my predecessor.

“She led a robust and consensual sub-committee – as I am sure we will continue to be."