NEW CONVENER FOR STANDARDS COMMISSION TO REPLACE HUGH BEGG

Lorne Crerar has been appointed as the new convener of the Standards Commission for Scotland

Public services minister Andy Kerr said:

'Promoting high standards in public life is essential in order to secure a strong sense of trust from the people of Scotland. As a relatively new organisation, the Standards Commission for Scotland has a vital role to play in securing high standards in Scottish public life. Professor Crerar's role as convener will clearly be an important one.'

Mr Crerar who has been a member of the Standards Commission since its establishment in January 2002, replaces Hugh Begg who has been convener of the commission for the past 18 months and has successfully overseen the establishment of the commission and the production of guidance to assist councillors and members of public bodies in adhering to the new ethical standards framework which was launched on 1 May 2003.

Mr Kerr added:

'I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Begg for all his sterling work over the last 18 months in preparing the Standards Commission, councils and public bodies to uphold the new ethical standards framework.'

Mr Crerar's appointment will commence today. The Standards Commission's headquarters is in Rosyth, Fife.

Mr Crerar, a member of the Standards Commission since January 2002, is a managing partner and senior banking law partner with Harper MacLeod Solicitors and a part-time professor of law at Glasgow University.

He has held a number of appointments including membership of the Housing Improvement Task Force and deputy chair of Scottish Enterprise Glasgow.

Appointments to the Standards Commission are remunerated. The convener receives £9,345 per annum for a three day a month commitment to the commission's work.

Mr Crerar's appointment to the commission will expire on 17 January 2005, as will those of the other members. Mr Crerar has indicated that he has not been involved in any political activities during the last five y ears.