Sarah Boyack
Scottish Labour
MSP for Lothian (Region) 2019 - present day
Former MSP for Lothian (Region) 2011 - 2016
Former MSP for Edinburgh Central (Constituency) 1999 - 2011
About Sarah Boyack
Contact details
Contact online
Email: [email protected]
Contact at the Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP
Phone: 0131 348 6994
Text relay calls welcome.
Committees
Sarah is a member of 2 committees
Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee
Substitute Member
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Substitute Member
Cross-party groups
Sarah is a member of 17 cross-party groups
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Bangladesh
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Circular Economy
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Co-Operatives
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Creative Economy
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Culture and Communities
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Europe
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Fair Trade
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on India
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on International Development
Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Malawi
Deputy Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Nordic Countries
Deputy Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Pakistan
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Palestine
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Deputy Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Sustainable Transport
Deputy Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Taiwan
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Wellbeing Economy
Member
Parliamentary and Government Roles
Sarah has 1 parliamentary and government role
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Branch Executive
Member
Party Roles
Sarah has 3 party roles
Party Spokesperson on Energy
Scottish Labour
Party Spokesperson on Just Transition
Scottish Labour
Party Spokesperson on Net Zero
Scottish Labour
Previous roles
Sarah has had 39 previous roles
Previous roles in cross-party groups are not included in this list.
17 June 2021 - 25 April 2023
Constitution Europe External Affairs and Culture Committee
Member
22 September 2021 - 25 April 2023
Local Government Housing and Planning Committee
Substitute Member
31 May 2021 - 10 April 2023
Party Spokesperson on the Constitution
Scottish Labour
31 May 2021 - 10 April 2023
Party Spokesperson on External Affairs
Scottish Labour
31 May 2021 - 10 April 2023
Party Spokesperson on Culture
Scottish Labour
01 March 2021 - 04 May 2021
Party Spokesperson on Environment
Scottish Labour
01 March 2021 - 04 May 2021
Party Spokesperson on Climate Change
Scottish Labour
01 March 2021 - 04 May 2021
Party Spokesperson on Land Reform
Scottish Labour
25 September 2019 - 04 May 2021
Standards Procedures and Public Appointments Committee
Substitute Member
11 September 2019 - 04 May 2021
Local Government and Communities Committee
Deputy Convener
02 September 2019 - 01 March 2021
Party Spokesperson on Local Government
Scottish Labour
05 February 2020 - 25 February 2020
Finance and Constitution Committee
Substitute Member
10 September 2019 - 11 September 2019
Local Government and Communities Committee
Member
06 January 2015 - 23 March 2016
Policy Forum/Manifesto Co-ordinator
Scottish Labour
19 August 2015 - 23 March 2016
Party Spokesperson on Environmental Justice
Scottish Labour
08 January 2015 - 23 March 2016
Rural Affairs Climate Change and Environment Committee
Member
16 December 2014 - 19 August 2015
Party Spokesperson on Rural Development
Scottish Labour
16 December 2014 - 19 August 2015
Party Spokesperson on the Environment
Scottish Labour
03 September 2013 - 08 January 2015
Local Government and Regeneration Committee
Substitute Member
19 December 2011 - 16 December 2014
Party Spokesperson on Local Government
Scottish Labour
19 December 2011 - 16 December 2014
Party Spokesperson on Planning
Scottish Labour
20 May 2011 - 19 December 2011
Party Spokesperson on Rural Development
Scottish Labour
20 May 2011 - 19 December 2011
Party Spokesperson on the Environment
Scottish Labour
17 September 2007 - 22 March 2011
Party Spokesperson on Rural Development
Scottish Labour
17 September 2007 - 22 March 2011
Party Spokesperson on the Environment
Scottish Labour
13 June 2007 - 20 September 2007
Rural Affairs and Environment Committee
Member
18 May 2007 - 17 September 2007
Party Spokesperson on the Environment
Scottish Labour
11 January 2007 - 17 May 2007
Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development
Scottish Government
10 June 2003 - 15 January 2007
Environment and Rural Development Committee
Convener
10 June 2003 - 15 January 2007
conveners group
Member
04 June 2003 - 10 June 2003
Environment and Rural Development Committee
Member
06 March 2003 - 31 March 2003
European and External Relations Committee
Member
31 October 2002 - 31 March 2003
Audit Committee
Member
26 September 2002 - 31 March 2003
Social Justice Committee
Substitute Member
29 November 2001 - 05 March 2003
European Committee
Member
07 March 2002 - 27 June 2002
Scottish Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Bill Committee
Member
21 March 2001 - 28 November 2001
Minister for Transport and Planning
Scottish Government
02 November 2000 - 21 March 2001
Minister for Transport and Telecommunications
Scottish Government
19 May 1999 - 01 November 2000
Minister for Transport and the Environment
Scottish Government
Register of interests
Sarah's register of interests
MSPs must provide details of their financial interests in the Register of Interests. They make an initial statement on becoming or being returned as an MSP. This is then updated with any changes they provide.
Here is the register for Sarah Boyack. The date of their initial statement was 08 June 2021.
Remuneration and related undertaking
I worked as Head of Public Affairs for the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, Sutherland House, 149 St Vincent St, Glasgow G2 5NW, part time for the first three weeks from February 2017, then full time from March 2017. I left the post on 12 July 2019 and was returned to Parliament on 15 July 2019. On 26 July 2019, I received a final salary payment of between £1,001 and £2,000 representing the outstanding salary owed to me.
Gifts
No registrable interests
Overseas visits
No registrable interests
Controlled transactions
No registrable interests
Heritable property
No registrable interests
Interest in shares
No registrable interests
Voluntary
I am a member of The Cooperative Party.
On 5 December 2023 I received a gift of a food hamper valued at approximately £150 from Community Windpower Ltd (Godscroft Lane, Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 6XU). The gift was to me as an individual. [Registered 21 December 2023]
I am a member of both Unison and Community Trade Unions.
I worked as a temporary and part time lecturer at Heriot Watt University teaching Planning and Environmental Studies from September 2016 until March 2017.
I am a member of Friends of the Earth Scotland.
I am a member of the Edinburgh Solar COOP.
I am a Vice President of the European Movement in Scotland.
I am a member of Spokes - The Lothian Cycle Campaign.
Recent Activity
What was said
What Sarah Boyack has said in Parliament
These are the official transcripts of what was said by this MSP in the chamber and at committee meetings. You'll find the topic discussed and how many times this MSP has contributed to the discussion.
Chamber meeting date: 15 May 2024
Culture (Funding)
4. Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the culture secretary has had with the finance secretary regarding future funding for culture, in light of its commitment to invest an additional £100 million in the sector. (S6O-03423)"
Chamber meeting date: 15 May 2024
Housing Emergency
Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "I will kick off by drawing members’ attention to my entry in the register of members’ interests with regard to my former work with the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations…
Chamber meeting date: 14 May 2024
Deposit Return Scheme (Legal Action)
Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "The last gateway review to be published on the DRS, on readiness for service, which was published in July last year and on which Mr Ewing notably pursued the Government, concluded that the programme’s status was amber/red…
Chamber meeting date: 14 May 2024
Action to Tackle Climate Change
Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "I thank Maurice Golden for bringing this key issue to the chamber. I hope that everyone in the chamber will agree on the necessity of urgent action. We are experiencing the impacts of climate change now—it is not a future issue…
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee meeting date: 14 May 2024
Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2
Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "First, I apologise for being late. That was not my intention. As with previous sections, I propose through amendments 100 to 103 that the word “things” be replaced with “goods, products and materials” in order to provide clarity…
Votes
How Sarah Boyack has voted in Parliament
Find out how Sarah Boyack has voted recently.
Stand Up for Teaching
Submitted by: Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Supported by: Roz McCall
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Result 29 for, 95 against, 0 abstained, 5 did not vote
MSP voted against
Vote Defeated
Scotland’s Housing Emergency
Submitted by: Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour. Date lodged: Monday, May 13, 2024
Supported by: Sarah Boyack, Paul Sweeney
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Result 95 for, 29 against, 0 abstained, 5 did not vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
Stand Up for Teaching
Submitted by: Jenny Gilruth, Mid Fife and Glenrothes, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Supported by: Graeme Dey, Natalie Don
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Result 62 for, 62 against, 0 abstained, 5 did not vote
MSP voted against
Vote Defeated
Stand Up for Teaching
Submitted by: Pam Duncan-Glancy, Glasgow, Scottish Labour. Date lodged: Monday, May 13, 2024
Supported by: Paul Sweeney, Martin Whitfield
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Result 62 for, 61 against, 1 abstained, 5 did not vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
Scotland’s Housing Emergency
Submitted by: Paul McLennan, East Lothian, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Supported by: Shirley-Anne Somerville, Kaukab Stewart
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Result 69 for, 33 against, 22 abstained, 5 did not vote
MSP abstained
Vote Passed
Motions
Motions made by Sarah Boyack in Parliament
Find out what motions Sarah Boyack has submitted recently.
Questions
Questions Sarah Boyack has asked
These are the questions that this MSP has asked in Parliament. It also includes any answer to those questions.
Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 29 April 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government who the member in charge is of the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill."
Answered by Mairi McAllan on 13 May 2024
Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 9 May 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the potential impact on its (a) Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan and (b) renewable energy targets, what its position is on the proposal for the introduction of Sustainable Industry Rewards in Auction Round 7 of the Contracts for Difference process."
Answer expected on 23 May 2024
Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 9 May 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the potential impact on its (a) Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan and (b) renewable energy targets, what engagement it has had with the UK Government regarding Auction Round (i) 6 and (ii) 7 of the Contracts for Difference process."
Answer expected on 23 May 2024
Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 9 May 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government which minister will take decisions on any matters relating to the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture portfolio that the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture has recused himself from."
Answer expected on 23 May 2024
Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 8 May 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the culture secretary has had with the finance secretary regarding future funding for culture, in light of its commitment to invest an additional £100 million in the sector."
Taken in the Chamber on 15 May 2024
Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 24 April 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government what the current status is of the Climate Emergency Economic and Investment Leadership Group that was announced in the Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan."
Answered by Mairi McAllan on 8 May 2024
Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 24 April 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on plans to establish a Green Jobs Skills Hub, as outlined in the Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan."
Answered by Mairi McAllan on 8 May 2024
Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 5 April 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications for electricity generators under 50MW were submitted to planning authorities under the Electricity Act 1989 in (a) 2015, (b) 2019, (c) 2022 and (d) 2023."
Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 29 April 2024
Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 2 April 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government how many new overflow monitors have been installed by Scottish Water since its Improving Urban Waters Routemap was published in 2021, broken down by year."
Answered by Mairi McAllan on 25 April 2024
Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 4 April 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government what support it is providing to NHS Lothian to transfer patients with diabetes from their current treatment to a hybrid closed loop system, where this is appropriate for them."
Answered by Jenni Minto on 25 April 2024