Meeting of the Parliament 05 March 2026 [Draft]
That debate needs to happen. Interestingly, other Commonwealth countries have been even more radical on that. Some of the east African countries have disabled-only lists, so a candidate has to have a disability to be on such a list. It is competitive among different individuals, but that is one model. South Africa, for example, has gone much more down the route of getting political parties to have more disabled candidates. There are questions such as whether delivering leaflets is essential for party members to be seen as possible candidates. There are also questions about how accessible buildings are. All political parties need to address such issues.
We have made progress. The access to elected office fund has been put into legislation and will be implemented for Scottish Parliament and local elections. I hope that the United Kingdom Government will consider the scheme for Westminster elections as well. The fund allows disabled people to have the help and resources that make an even playing field. The administration of that scheme has been helpful. I and other members of the Parliament have benefited from it.
One fear that people have about standing and being elected is what the Parliament will be like. From my experience of working in many different roles over the years, the Scottish Parliament is one of the best places to work for disabled people. I have found from every individual working here a willingness to be helpful, kind and open to suggestions. If disabled people are worried about being elected, they need not be, because the Parliament, from the chief executive down, has done more than I could have ever hoped to make it that way from my first day.
This might be my last long speech before the election. Like all members, I do not know how the electorate will vote come May. However, a simple message needs to be picked up after May by whoever is elected: nothing for us without us. The Parliament cannot make decisions on what is best for disabled people if disabled people are not here.