Tory MSP hands SNP victory in knife-edge Holyrood vote – after hitting Yes button instead of No
A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said it was "a genuine mistake".
BUZZER GAFFE Tory MSP hands SNP victory in knife-edge Holyrood vote – after hitting Yes button instead of No
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TORY MSP Brian Whittle handed the SNP victory in a knife-edge Holyrood vote — after hitting the Yes button instead of No.
The former Team GB relay runner's blunder saved Nats from defeat as MSPs debated a legal services shake-up.
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Brian Whittle takes the baton from Kris Akabusi during his running days
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The debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament.
The SNP instead landed a 59-58 win — while experts claimed the amendment bungle could see home-buyers left high and dry if their solicitor goes bust.
Last night, a Holyrood source said: 'Brian dropped the baton — and unfortunately it means the rules are now a complete mess.'
Labour MSP Paul O'Kane hit out: 'The amendment was very clearly not in interests of consumers when undertaking what can be an extremely stressful action like buying a house.
It shouldn't have been passed and it wouldn't have, had Brian Whittle read his whip sheet properly.
'It's very disappointing.'
MSPs had been deciding if the profession's governing body could step in on behalf of clients to ensure work is completed if a solicitors' firm goes bust.
Nats wanted to give flop companies the right to appeal.
Nats justice minister Siobhan Brown said it was 'important such matters can be tested by the court'.
But critics claimed that risked clients being left in limbo and could lead to homes sales falling through.
Ex-Olympian Mr Whittle's Tory colleague Tess White told of legal experts' 'concerns' that the move would 'weaken public protections'.
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But the South of Scotland MSP then failed to follow instructions from party whips and backed Nats' amendment.
Further chaos came when he then voted as instructed on a linked measure.
The Law Society of Scotland claimed the muddle could create a two-tier system, with larger firms able to appeal but not self-employed solicitors.
A Tories spokesman said: 'This was a genuine mistake from Brian while voting on a vast number of amendments.
'He recognises concerns surrounding these proposals. This vote was made in error.'
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