Commentary on Sections Arrangements for new Parliament Section 10: Election of new Presiding Officer
39.This section modifies section 19(1A)(b) of the Scotland Act 1998 so that, rather than having to take place within 14 days of the election, as would normally be the case, the selection of a new Presiding Officer (and two deputies) by MSPs must occur as soon as reasonably practicable after the 2021 election. Under section 19 of the 1998 Act this would also have to take place before any other business is conducted by the new Parliament, except for MSPs taking their oaths of office.