New interim chair of the Accounts Commission appointed

Elma Murray OBE has been appointed the interim chair of the Accounts Commission,
following the resignation of Graham Sharp from the role.

Dr Sharp has served on the Commission since 2009 and as chair since October 2017. He
has chosen to step down ahead of the end of his tenure, in September 2021, for healthrelated reasons.
Local Government Minister Kevin Stewart has appointed Ms Murray, the current deputy chair,
to serve from August, ahead of the Scottish Government hold an appointments process for
the post.

Dr Sharp said: "It has been a great privilege to serve on the Accounts Commission for the
past 11 years. The Commission plays a crucial role in providing the people of Scotland with
independent assurance and scrutiny of local government, and helping drive improvement in
public services in Scotland.

"Stepping down is a difficult decision. I am very aware that the Commission will have a
significant role in reviewing public services following the current pandemic. I have also
recently developed a health condition that, while not debilitating, has led me to reconsider my
longer-term priorities. In these circumstances I believe it is appropriate to stand down earlier
than planned to minimise disruption to the Commission’s strategy and focus.""

Ms Murray said: "I would like to pay tribute to Graham’s contribution to the Commission and
to local government in Scotland. I have enjoyed working with Graham over the past year and
I have learned a lot during my time on the Commission with him.
"It is an honour to be appointed as interim chair. I am looking forward to continuing to work
with the Commission, and with Audit Scotland and the Auditor General, to develop the role of
public audit in Scotland."