Kenny Gibson has been elected as the new Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, pledging to make Holyrood "less dull" and to work collaboratively with all parties.
Why it matters: Gibson's election marks a shift in leadership at Holyrood, as he aims to revitalize parliamentary discussions and engage all members. His non-partisan role is key to maintaining order and decorum in the chamber.
Gibson, 64, began his political career as a councillor in Glasgow's Mosspark ward in 1992.
He has was an MSP since 1999, except for a brief hiatus between 2003 and 2007.
The Presiding Officer role is similar to that of the Speaker of the House of Commons, overseeing debates and representing the Parliament at official functions.
Driving the news: Gibson was elected on May 14, 2026, after MSPs were sworn in for the new parliamentary term. His election followed a competitive ballot involving four candidates.
Gibson secured 74 votes in the final round against SNP colleague Claire Haughey, who received 54 votes.
Other candidates included Liberal Democrat Liam McArthur and SNP member Stuart McMillan, who were eliminated in earlier rounds.
The presiding officer position comes with a salary of £136,112 and involves chairing debates and selecting speakers.
State of play: The election occurred on the first day of the seventh term of the Scottish Parliament, with all 129 MSPs taking their oaths of allegiance to King Charles.
John Swinney, leader of the SNP, was the first to be sworn in, emphasizing the party's commitment to the people of Scotland.
During the swearing-in ceremony, MSPs expressed their loyalty in various languages, including Scots, Gaelic, Hindi, and Polish.
Gibson's first task as presiding officer will be to chair a vote to elect two deputy presiding officers.
The big picture: Gibson's election signifies a new chapter for the Scottish Parliament as it adapts to changing political dynamics and aims to engage more effectively with constituents.
His commitment to making parliamentary proceedings more engaging reflects a broader desire among MSPs to connect with the public.
After a reduction in SNP seats from 64 to 58, the party still maintains a majority, with John Swinney expected to be re-elected as First Minister.
Gibson's predecessor, Alison Johnstone, congratulated him, highlighting the continuity of leadership in the Parliament.
What they're saying: Gibson expressed optimism about his new role, stating, "There is so much more we can be as a parliament than we have been in the past."
He emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, "I’m ahead to working with every single member in this Chamber to take this Parliament forward."
Gibson also acknowledged his past missteps, referring to himself as a "repentant sinner" when discussing his colorful language during debates.
His approach suggests a willingness to bring a fresh perspective to the office, aiming to lighten the atmosphere in the chamber.
By the numbers: The election results were as follows:
Kenny Gibson: 74 votes
Claire Haughey: 54 votes
Stuart McMillan: 6 votes (eliminated in the first round)
Liam McArthur: 34 votes (eliminated in the second round)
What's next: Gibson's immediate focus will be on appointing his deputies and leading the Parliament through its upcoming sessions.
The election of the deputy presiding officers is scheduled to follow shortly after Gibson's inauguration.
MSPs will also prepare for the re-election of the First Minister, with John Swinney as the frontrunner.
Gibson's leadership style will likely set the tone for how the Parliament operates moving forward, especially in engaging with the public.