FORMER first ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf have thrown their weight behind SELECT’s long-running campaign for regulation of the electrical industry.
The senior SNP politicians are among 13 MSPs who have added their names to the campaigning body’s wall of support, with other new sign-ups including former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross and ex‑Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard.
Their endorsement means that 57 MSPs now back the call for protection of title for the profession of electrician – and SELECT says the cross-party support reflects the ‘overwhelming appetite’ for the Scottish Parliament to finally act on the issue.
Sharon Miller, SELECT MD designate, said, “Securing the support of two former First Ministers, along with more senior MSPs from all parties, sends an unmistakable message: Scotland understands the urgent need to regulate the electrical profession.
“Electricians play an essential role in keeping our homes, businesses and communities safe, yet the title remains unprotected. Anyone can claim to be an electrician despite having no qualifications, creating unacceptable risks for the public.
“With the wall of support now standing at 57 MSPs, the momentum for change has never been stronger. This growing coalition demonstrates that protection of title is firmly on the political agenda and that there is widespread recognition of the dangers posed by unqualified electrical work.”
Ms Sturgeon and Mr Yousaf were among 13 MSPs who signed up to the Wall of Support at a special SELECT regulation exhibition hosted by Ms Miller at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on March 3 and 4.
Other politicians who added their names were Labour’s Daniel Johnson, Davy Russell, Michael Marra, Jackie Baillie and Mr Leonard, along with Conservative MSP Mr Ross.
In addition to their former leaders, five SNP MSPs also gave the campaign their backing – Christine Grahame, Colin Beattie, Emma Harper, Jamie Hepburn, and ex-housing minister Paul McLennan.
Ms Miller said the latest sign‑ups underline the continued cross‑party commitment to reform. She continued, “Our message remains clear and consistent – regulation is a matter of public safety, not politics. The steady stream of new supporters shows that MSPs understand the scale of the risks associated with modern electrical systems and the vital importance of ensuring only properly trained and qualified professionals can work on them.
“We will continue to work closely with our members, partners and stakeholders to secure the legislative change our industry desperately needs. Every new name on the wall of support is another step towards a safer, stronger electrotechnical sector for Scotland.”
