Colm Merrick, the newly elected SNP MSP for Glasgow Anniesland, is facing a standards hearing over allegations that he delayed registering paid and unpaid work while serving as a councillor. The Standards Commission of Scotland will decide whether Mr Merrick breached the councillors’ code of conduct.
Mr Merrick, who was elected to Holyrood last week, has been an East Renfrewshire councillor for the Giffnock and Thornliebank ward since 2017. The complaint relates to a delay in “registering paid and unpaid work” during this period, according to the Standards Commission.
His register of interests on the East Renfrewshire Council website shows he worked part-time in the office of Kirsten Oswald when she was an MP, between August 2022 and November 2024. It also lists part-time work for Bob Doris MSP in May and June 2025, and an unpaid internship for Bill Kidd, the former Anniesland MSP.
An East Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said councillors must register interests, including financial, property and other roles, within 30 days of becoming a councillor. Changes to these interests must be declared within one month. Complaints are investigated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner, who reports to the Standards Commission, which then decides on hearings and potential sanctions such as censure, suspension, or disqualification.
The hearing will see the Commissioner present evidence, while Mr Merrick is entitled to attend or be represented, and both parties may call witnesses. A breach of the code could lead to sanctions including suspension or disqualification from office.
