Tories criticise SQA appointment

Graham Houston will chair the SQA for the next four years

The Scottish Government has been criticised by the Conservatives after appointing an SNP council head to lead the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

Stirling Council leader Graham Houston will take on the part-time role from 1 February and will serve for four years.

His appointment was revealed by Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop who said he would bring "strong leadership abilities" to the role.

However, the Tories accused the government of "cronyism".

Mr Houston became leader of Stirling Council in March 2008 after being elected to serve the authority the previous year.

'Clearly incompatible'

Conservative deputy leader Murdo Fraser said: "Whilst it appears that Mr Houston is well qualified for the position, his appointment will inevitably give rise to accusations of cronyism.

"I would expect that at the very least Mr Houston will now be stepping down as leader of Stirling Council, as such a high-profile political role is clearly incompatible with holding the chair of a public body such as the SQA."

Mr Houston's appointment to the post carries a salary of �13,439 for a minimum commitment of 52 days a year.

The Scottish Government said he had more than 20 years experience in management development and executive coaching, and has held senior positions in the travel and leisure industries.

Before setting up his own management coaching consultancy, he was Scottish director of the Work Foundation, formerly known as the Industrial Society.

Until his election as an SNP councillor in Stirling in 2007, he was vice-chairman of the BBC's Audience Council Scotland, and chaired Scottish and UK training award panels.

'On merit'

Ms Hyslop said: "I am delighted that Graham Houston has agreed to become the new chair of the SQA.

"The wealth of executive and non-executive experience he brings to the SQA from a range of senior roles, along with his strong leadership abilities, will ensure SQA is ready to meet the future challenges and opportunities it faces."

The Scottish Government said the ministerial public appointment was made in accordance with "the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice".

It insisted "all appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process".

A spokesman for Ms Hyslop accused the Tory deputy leader of not checking his facts.

He said the 26 chairmanship appointments made so far by the Scottish Government included two with Labour connections, one Lib Dem, one Independent, and Mr Houston.

"The rest have no declared affiliation of any kind," said the spokesman.