Russell Findlay announces new Scottish Tory frontbench

New Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay has unveiled his frontbench team, pledging the party will focus on “bread and butter” issues.

Leadership rival Murdo Fraser, who came second in the three-way race, retains his business, economy, tourism and culture brief, while Meghan Gallacher has been given responsibility for housing.

Craig Hoy is the new finance and local government spokesperson and will also continue as party chair for an interim period.

Liz Smith has been moved to the social security brief, while Miles Briggs is the new education spokesperson, Tim Eagle takes on the rural affairs portfolio and Sue Webber covers transport.

Liam Kerr succeeds Findlay as the justice spokesperson, a role he previously held between 2017 and 2021.

Douglas Lumsden stays on as shadow net zero secretary and Sandesh Gulhane continues as shadow health secretary.

Alexander Burnett remains in place as chief whip, while Sharon Dowey will serve as his deputy.

Pam Gosal also continues as deputy chair of the party.

Findlay said: “Our new shadow cabinet will work hard to earn the trust of the public by telling it straight and only making promises we can keep. We are ready to stand up for everyone who feels disillusioned with the state of politics and the fringe obsessions of the Scottish Parliament.

“Moving forward, the Scottish Conservatives will reconnect with common-sense values and put forward a bold vision for the future of our country that champions opportunity, aspiration and decency.

“We will present positive new policies to fire up economic growth, create opportunities for workers and businesses, reward aspiration with lower taxes, improve school standards and increase home ownership.

“The SNP and Labour waste too much time on divisive policies instead of the bread-and-butter issues which affect people’s lives. We will do things differently and represent everyone who just wants politicians to show some common sense, for a change.”

Shadow ministerial appointments are as follows:

• Investment and employment – Pam Gosal
• Victims and community safety – Sharon Dowey
• Public health, social care, mental wellbeing and sport – Brian Whittle
• Drugs, alcohol and women’s health – Annie Wells
• Local government and public finance – Alexander Stewart
• Children and young people – Roz McCall
• Equalities – Tess White
• Social justice – Jeremy Balfour
• Agriculture, connectivity and islands – Jamie Halcro Johnston
• Veterans – Edward Mountain

As announced last week, Rachael Hamilton is the new deputy leader.

Findlay has refused to appoint a shadow cabinet secretary for the constitution and external affairs. Speaking at the Conservative conference in Birmingham last week, Findlay pledged his party would be “stronger in standing up to nationalist attempts to discuss their favourite topic of breaking up the United Kingdom”.