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Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)

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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

Contact at the Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP

Phone: 0131 348 6994
Text relay calls welcome.

Committees

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

31 October 2002 - 31 March 2003

Audit Committee

Member

26 September 2002 - 31 March 2003

Social Justice Committee

Substitute Member

06 March 2003 - 31 March 2003

European and External Relations Committee

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

From 16 to 18 October 2024, I visited Stuttgart, Germany to meet with representatives of the energy company, EnBW (Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, Durlacher Allee 93, 76131, Karlsruhe). The purpose of the visit was to find out more about the work done by EnBW in Germany and across the UK to learn lessons for GB Energy, and encourage more investment in Scotland. The programme also included meeting other political parties to discuss resetting and strengthening relationships with the EU. The cost of my accommodation, transport and meals during my time in Germany was £721.50, and was met by EnBW. [Registered 15 November 2024]

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.

I am a member of Friends of the Earth Scotland.

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 Spokes - The Lothian Cycle Campaign.

On 9 August 2024 I attended the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as a guest of Jason Barrett, CEO of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (1-3 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QB). The cost of the ticket was £445.00. [Registered 3 October 2024]

I am a member of both Unison and Community Trade Unions.

I am a member of the Edinburgh Solar COOP.

I am a Vice President of the European Movement in Scotland.

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]

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: 18 December 2024

Holyrood Park

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "I, too, congratulate Lorna Slater on bringing the debate to the chamber, because the park is important—indeed, it is vital—for people, nature and heritage…

Chamber meeting date: 12 December 2024

New Oil and Gas Licences

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "Will the minister acknowledge that the Government’s energy strategy was promised years ago, and that we urgently need confidence for new investment right across Scotland’s supply chains and a just transition for workers, never mind more delays with the strategy or in planning decisions on renewables? When will the Government’s energy strategy and…

Chamber meeting date: 27 November 2024

Community Right to Buy (Review)

7. Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide further details of the reasons why it decided against externally reviewing the community right to buy scheme. (S6O-04011)"

Chamber meeting date: 27 November 2024

Bus Drivers (Abuse)

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "I want to join colleagues in sending my sincere condolences to the family of Keith Rollinson, his friends and his colleagues…

Chamber meeting date: 21 November 2024

Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "This week, we saw major investment in turbines in Hull. When are we going to get manufacturing transition in Scotland…

Votes

How Sarah Boyack has voted in Parliament

Find out how Sarah Boyack has voted recently.

Motion ref. S6M-15876

Education (Scotland) Bill

Submitted by: Jenny Gilruth, Mid Fife and Glenrothes, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Monday, December 16, 2024

Supported by: Graeme Dey, Natalie Don-Innes
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Result 96 for, 0 against, 21 abstained, 12 did not vote

MSP abstained

Vote Passed

Motion ref. S6M-15875

Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill

Submitted by: Jamie Hepburn, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Monday, December 16, 2024

Supported by: John Swinney
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Result 111 for, 0 against, 0 abstained, 18 did not vote

MSP voted for

Vote Passed

Motion ref. S6M-15792.3

Delivering a Common Sense Budget for Scotland

Submitted by: Shona Robison, Dundee City East, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Supported by: Ivan McKee
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Result 73 for, 28 against, 21 abstained, 7 did not vote

MSP abstained

Vote Passed

Motion ref. S6M-15792

Delivering a Common Sense Budget for Scotland

Submitted by: Craig Hoy, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Monday, December 9, 2024

Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Result 94 for, 28 against, 0 abstained, 7 did not vote

MSP voted for

Vote Passed

Motion ref. S6M-15809

Approval of SSI

Submitted by: Jamie Hepburn, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Result 73 for, 49 against, 0 abstained, 7 did not vote

MSP voted against

Vote Passed

Motions

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.

Question ref. S6W-32375

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 17 December 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to spend the £11.4 million allocated in its draft Budget 2025-26 towards the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) to support an increase in community owned energy projects."

Answer expected on 14 January 2025

Question ref. S6W-32374

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 16 December 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to achieve its ambition to spend £500 million on the Just Transition Fund over 10 years, in light of only £15.9 million being allocated towards the fund in its draft Budget 2025-26."

Answer expected on 13 January 2025

Question ref. S6W-31966

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 4 December 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-30029 by Gillian Martin on 30 September 2024, whether any of the listed flood prevention schemes have since been completed."

Answered by Gillian Martin on 16 December 2024

Question ref. S6W-31929

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 3 December 2024

"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will review restrictions on using recorded footage from the Chamber for social media purposes."

Answered by Christine Grahame (on behalf of the SPCB) on 12 December 2024

Question ref. S6W-31854

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 2 December 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the publication of the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), what action it has taken to (a) progress recommendation 40, which recommended improving access to Stranraer and ports at Cairnryan and (b) encourage greater use of public transport."

Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 12 December 2024

Question ref. S6W-31856

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 2 December 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S6W-20007 and S6W-20008 by Fiona Hyslop on 14 August 2023, whether ScotRail considers (a) climate and sustainability objectives and (b) the potential for greater modal shift when making operational decisions about service patterns and potential consumer demand, on services such as…

Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 12 December 2024

Question ref. S6W-31855

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 2 December 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S6W-20007 and S6W-20008 by Fiona Hyslop on 14 August 2023, how many meetings have taken place between (a) ScotRail, (b) the Scottish Ministers and (c) Scottish Government officials and Stena Line since 1 April 2022, and whether any such meetings involved discussions regarding…

Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 12 December 2024

Question ref. S6O-04080

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 27 November 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what steps it is taking to increase access to diabetes tech for patients in NHS Lothian."

Answered by Jenni Minto on 5 December 2024

Question ref. S6W-31555

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 21 November 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that communities can benefit from pumped storage hydro projects."

Answered by Alasdair Allan on 5 December 2024

Question ref. S6W-31554

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 21 November 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government to what extent it measures social value in determining planning consent for energy projects."

Answered by Gillian Martin on 4 December 2024

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