A watchdog with teeth

John McCormick has retired as controller of BBC Scotland but it is clear from his interview with The Herald today that he does not consider his role as Scottish member of the Electoral Commission as a sinecure to help while away the hours. His commitment to the job is as important as it is welcome. The commission has been in existence for eight years and has helped improve the electoral landscape in several areas. However, it came in for criticism in the wake of the Scottish Parliament elections last year when a combination of factors, overseen by the commission, led to the disenfranchisement of thousands of voters.