Scottish Labour MP Elaine Stewart has added her backing to SELECT's push for statutory regulation of the electrical sector, becoming the latest high-profile supporter to sign the association's online Wall of Support. Her endorsement aligns with the trade body's long-running effort to secure protection of title and bolster public safety by ensuring only properly qualified professionals undertake complex electrical tasks.

Adding her name to the Wall of Support, Ms 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."

Her intervention comes amid growing momentum for change, with a petition submitted to the Scottish Parliament this month urging statutory safeguards to stop unqualified people from describing themselves as electricians.

Stewart's support follows sustained engagement with Ayrshire Branch Vice Chair Jim Cooper, who has been discussing apprenticeships, skills and regulation with his local MP. The pair met in Ayr on 4 September alongside SELECT Managing Director Sharon Miller to talk about the UK Government's Youth Guarantee initiative and the case for protection of title.

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Jim, 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."

Her stance was also praised by Ayrshire Branch Chair Chic Dobbie, owner of Ayr-based C Dobbie Electrical Limited. Chic 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."

SELECT has spent more than a decade campaigning for legal recognition of the electrical profession, arguing that the current framework leaves the public at risk from work performed by individuals without the requisite training and qualifications.

Sharon Miller 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.

"I'd like to thank Jim for his help in making this happen thanks to his ongoing work with his local MP. He is a fantastic ambassador for our sector and having him involved in these discussions as a constituent and successful local businessman has been invaluable."

The Wall of Support has already drawn cross-party political backing, along with endorsements from numerous organisations and industry bodies that agree electrical work should be carried out solely by qualified professionals.

Sharon 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."