Hansard

Each member of our staff in this institution exhibits professionalism every day, and none more so than when circumstance and situation command it of them. When the Parliament needs to be in full sail in the eyes of the world, they have it thrumming like an America’s cup yacht.

I think about the state opening of Parliament, which was conducted while we were still in Covid restrictions, and the staff managed to make that work. I think of the quiet bedrock of support with which they have provided each of us in those late late-night sittings, while we have considered some very controversial and difficult issues that our constituents sent us here to discuss. Then, of course, there was operation unicorn, when, in the most sombre circumstances—the passing of Her Majesty the Queen—they showed this Parliament and this country at their very best, in particular by working through the night, as I know that so many of them did.

It was in those days around the passing of the late Queen, Presiding Officer, that I think I got to know you the most, as you were a constant source of advice on protocol and things like that. It would be wrong—entirely wrong—to describe you as a matriarch in the Parliament; I think of you more as a big sister and, like a big sister, you have been there to offer support. When it was difficult for the Liberal Democrats to come in when we were not officially a group, you met me, as their leader, every month to keep me up to speed with what was going on in the Parliamentary Bureau.

I wish that I had always taken your advice. There was one occasion—I think that it was actually the funeral of the late Queen—when you suggested that I might consider using the facilities in Westminster abbey before we sat down. Four and a half hours later, I really wish that I had done, and I had to barge past Emmanuel Macron to use the bathroom.

Presiding Officer, that support and advice has, I know, been extended to everyone in the chamber. You have had to deal with difficult behaviour—some histrionics have been on display, that is for sure—but I thank you for everything that you have done for us, and I wish you well with whatever is still to come.

The final thing that I will say is this. I reflect on the words of Jamie Greene, who I know is not done with Scottish politics, and Scottish politics is not done with him. He said—rightly, I think—at First Minister’s question time that the promise of this new Parliament, the Parliament to come, is there for the taking. It is a blank canvas—we can put aside a lot of the enmity that has held us back in this Parliament and reach for the better nature of the people who send us to this place. I hope that we grasp that with both hands.