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Daily Record
Politics
Peter Davidson

Scottish Labour announces shadow team as Anas Sarwar focuses on national recovery

Anas Sarwar has announced his new shadow team following the Scottish Parliament election campaign.

The Scottish Labour leader unveiled his team which he wants to focus on a national recovery from the devastating coronavirus pandemic.

All of the new Labour intakes who won election earlier this month have been given a role in the Labour team at Holyrood.

When announcing his new top team Sarwar said it brings together the "best of the Labour movement".

Labour veteran and Dumbarton constituency MSP Jackie Baillie remains as the Deputy Leader, however she now takes on the role for Covid Recovery and is the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care.

Ian Murray will remain as the Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland (PA Wire)

Ian Murray MP stays as the Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland.

Neil Bibby will be the Shadow Minister for Parliamentary Business and Transport, while Rhonda Grant is the Shadow Minister for Land Reform, Islands and Chief Whip

The shadow finance and economy gig goes to Daniel Johnson, while Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney will be the Shadow Minister for Employment and Public Finance

Monica Lennon is in charge of net zero, energy and transport. Mercedes Villalba, a new MSP, will work under Lennon in the environment and biodiversity department.

Monica Lennon MSP will be in charge of Net Zero, Energy and Transport (Sunday Mail)

New MSP Michael Marra continues at education with Martin Whitfield working as Shadow Minister for Children and Young People, Lifelong Learning and Youth Employment.

The justice role goes to returning MSP Pauline McNeill, while Katy Clark will concentrate on community safety.

Mark Griffin is in charge of housing and local government for Labour at Holyrood, with new MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy given the role of social justice and social security.

Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economic Development and Rural Affairs is Colin Smyth.

Sarah Boyack will shadow SNP minister Angus Robertson covering the constitution, while Foysol Choudhury is in charge of culture, Europe and international development for Labour

After revealing his team, Anas Sarwar said: "This is a team that brings together the best of the Labour movement with a focus on delivering a national recovery for the people of Scotland.

Pam Duncan-Glancy has been given the role of shadow social justice and social security minister (PA)

"I’m particularly delighted to welcome the new talents to the Labour group, they have already brought an energy and enthusiasm that continues to build on the sense of optimism from the election campaign.

"This team demonstrates a relentless focus on protecting lives and livelihoods and taking the bold action needed to build a fairer and more equal nation coming through this crisis.

"Scottish Labour, under my leadership, will work with anyone in the national interest where there is agreement, but we will not hesitate in pushing the government to go further when it is too timid and we will expose the government’s failures when they get it wrong.

"Across the country, Labour is focusing on what unites the people of Scotland and continuing to build the alternative to the SNP – if you want to be part of that journey join us."

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