MSP quits over Tory convener role

Helen Eadie is the MSP for Dunfermline East

A Labour MSP has resigned from two Holyrood committees in protest at the Conservatives being given convenership of the equal opportunities committee.

Helen Eadie said the move was like "putting Attila the Hun in charge of care in the community".

The Tories described the Dunfermline East MSP's comments as a "slur".

Ms Eadie was the only MSP to vote against the make-up of the parliament's committees. Her office confirmed later that she had quit.

Ms Eadie was elected as a member of the equal opportunities and subordinate legislation committees.

I think it's like putting Attila the Hun in charge of care in the community Helen Eadie Labour MSP

However, before the vote she told MSPs: "I do regret and lament - and have even stronger views than that - that we find ourselves in a situation where we have put the Conservatives in charge of the equal opportunities committee.

"I think it's like putting Attila the Hun in charge of care in the community, and therefore I will not support the motion going through."

Tory MSP John Scott replied: "It is absolutely unreasonable that Mrs Eadie makes these suggestions and slurs on the Conservative Party."

The equal opportunities committee will be chaired by Tory MSP Margaret Mitchell.

Labour will have conveners on five of the 14 parliamentary committees, while the SNP will have four.

Patrick Harvie will become the first Green convener, chairing the committee responsible for transport and climate change.