The Labour MP has shown her support for the protection of title by adding her name to SELECT’s Wall of Support as part of a long-running crusade led by the Scottish construction trade association, SELECT.

Stewart’s backing has been welcomed by rank and file electricians who are increasingly keen to protect public safety and make sure that those delivering complex work are properly qualified, competent and accountable.

Stewart said: “As the Member of Parliament for Ayr, Carrick & Cumnock, I recognise the vital role that qualified electricians play in keeping people safe and supporting our economy.

“I support efforts to strengthen professional recognition within the industry and welcome the work being undertaken to promote high standards, skills development and public confidence in the electrical profession.”

The move comes against the backdrop of increasing public and political support for regulation, with a petition lodged in the Scottish Parliament this month urging for statutory safeguards to stop unqualified individuals from describing themselves as electricians.

Stewart’s endorsement also arrives after extensive engagement with SELECT member Jim Cooper, vice chair of the association’s Ayrshire Branch, who has been signifying the importance of apprenticeships, skills development and regulation. 

Cooper has been in regular contact with the MP, who joined him and SELECT managing director Sharon Miller at a meeting in Ayr on 4 September to talk about the UK Government’s Youth Guarantee initiative and the need for protection of title.

Cooper, a director of Maybole-based Electro Installations (Scotland) Ltd, said: “I am delighted that Ms Stewart has taken the time to endorse SELECT’s long-running campaign and help put the need for regulation in the spotlight.

“She comes across as a proactive politician who will take action and get results, and I look forward to working with her further on this and other important issues.”

Ms Stewart’s involvement was also welcomed by fellow electrician and SELECT member Chic Dobbie, chair of the association’s Ayrshire Branch.

Dobbie, owner of Ayr-based C Dobbie Electrical Limited, said: “It’s encouraging that Ms Stewart has chosen to lend her support to our campaign and recognise the crucial contribution that qualified electricians make to communities, businesses and the wider economy.

“As society becomes increasingly dependent on electricity – from renewable technologies and electric vehicles to smart homes and modern infrastructure – it’s more important than ever that work is carried out by people with the appropriate skills, training and competence.”

Sharon Miller, managing director of SELECT, said: “Ms Stewart’s support is particularly welcome because it demonstrates that the need for greater professional recognition and enhanced public safety is being understood at all levels of government.”

Miller added: “We believe that regulation will improve public safety, enhance professional standards, support apprenticeships and skills development and help attract the next generation of talent into the industry.

“We now hope that Ms Stewart can continue to champion these issues at Westminster and help build wider political support for measures that will strengthen public confidence in the electrical profession.”