The legislation would see the appointment of an independent commissioner to promote and safeguard the rights and interests of disabled people throughout Scotland.

The Lothian MSP’s proposals secured the support of organisations such as MS Society Scotland and the charity Camphill Scotland during consultation – and now he is urging MSPs of all parties to rally behind the bill.

The disability commissioner would perform a similar role to the children and young people commissioner, by championing the rights of Scots with all types of disabilities – physical, mental, hidden and fluctuating.

In order to earn the right to be debated in Parliament, Mr Balfour’s bill must now garner the support of at least 18 MSPs, from two or more parties, over the next month.

He said: “We must do more to support disabled people across Scotland – and that’s why we need a Disability Commissioner.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to my proposals during the consultation stage – and for their positive feedback.

“The Covid pandemic highlighted the major inequalities still being faced by disabled Scots.

“An independent commissioner would give people with disabilities someone to turn to for support, safe in the knowledge that they were dedicated to promoting and safeguarding their rights.

“The next target is to have the bill debated in the Scottish Parliament – and to achieve that I’m looking to secure cross-party support from as many MSPs as possible.

“The needs of our disabled people have been neglected for far too long but I hope that the establishment of a Disability Commissioner will go a long way to righting that wrong.”