Appoint Cabinet Ministers from Society

We believe that the democratically-elected Executive should appoint "Cabinet Ministers" from society. These would be experienced people who have proven themselves in their particular fields, whether in the private or public sector. They would head up the various departments.

That is, the governing administration should appoint people who have specific experience in their particular fields and who have spent years dedicated to their purpose.

After all, what sense does it make to appoint a random MSP to become the "Transport Minister" or the "Health Minister" or the "Education Minister" when such people have little to no experience of these fields? They don't even have any contacts or network.

Imagine being thrust into such a position, from nothing! It seems ridiculous to expect that anyone could function effectively in such a situation.

With our reform, the elected administration would recruit such professional people and outline their goals. Such people would be able to use their knowledge and networks to immediately address the matters, and get things done.

They would answer to Holyrood, and be held to account, either through the Committee System, or through regular appearances in the Chamber.

Our much-needed reform separates the legislative (law-making) and scrutinising function of the democratically-elected MSPs, from the administrative function of running complex departments of state, for which virtually none of the MSPs (through no fault of their own) are suitable!

This would also end, to a large extent, the sinecure of "Cabinet Ministers" enjoying a massively inflated salary above their normal salary of MSP.