Rhona Brankin has criticised the appointment of an SNP council leader as the new Chair of the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

Ms Brankin, Labour's Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, said:

"The SNP must explain why Graham Houston, the SNP leader of Stirling Council, is the right man for this job.

"I call on the Minister Fiona Hyslop to reveal who else was short-listed for the position and if Mr Houston was the candidate recommended by the independent appointments process.

"Ms Hyslop was quick to criticise transparency over public appointments when she was in opposition, so let's see if she takes her own advice now that she is in government."

12 January 2009