Scottish Secretary makes new Boundary Commission appointment
Gillian McGregor takes up position today with body that ensures Scotland’s Westminster constituencies are close to equal in voter number
Respected former senior civil servant Gillian McGregor has been appointed to the Boundary Commission for Scotland.
She will replace Professor Ailsa Henderson, who has served her maximum term of almost 10 years, and begins her post today (Oct 1).
Alongside other members of the Commission, Ms McGregor will be involved in the body’s reviews of UK Parliament constituencies in Scotland - carried out every eight years - to ensure that each one has roughly the same number of voters.
Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray announced the appointment, following a recruitment process.
He said:
It’s great news that Gillian has accepted the post as a member of the Boundary Commission for Scotland. She brings vast experience and invaluable specialist knowledge.
She will be an important part of the team and add significant strength to the work of the Commission. I thank Professor Ailsa Henderson who will leave her post at the end of September after serving for almost 10 years.
Ms McGregor has extensive experience of working with Ministers and politicians in both the UK and Scottish Governments on all aspects of policy. Previously Home Office Director for Immigration Enforcement in Scotland and Northern Ireland and Home Office Director of Immigration Operational Intelligence, she was awarded the CBE in 2016 for services to immigration management and counter terrorism.
Ms McGregor was Director of the Scotland Office from 2017-2020 before retiring from the Civil Service. She will serve on the Boundary Commission for Scotland for an initial period of four years.
Background
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The Boundary Commission for Scotland is an advisory non-departmental public body funded by the Scotland Office. It is independent and non-political, constituted by the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986.
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The Commission is responsible for reviews of constituencies in Scotland for the Westminster Parliament.
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It is required by the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 (as amended) to review UK Parliament constituencies every eight years. The reviews ensure that each constituency has roughly the same number of electors.