Scottish Daily Mail political editor Alan Roden appointed new Scottish Labour communications director

Kezia Dugdale has appointed Scottish Daily Mail political editor Alan Roden as Scottish Labour’s new communications director.

Scottish Labour said the move was the first of several high profile appointments to come over the next few weeks.

Roden said he was “absolutely delighted” with the career move.

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Announcing the appointment, the Scottish Labour leader said: “Alan brings to this new role a wealth of experience of Scottish journalism and a career reporting on local and national politics. He is a significant addition to our team as we prepare for elections in 2017, and building towards the UK General Election in 2020 and the Scottish elections in 2021.

“Scotland needs a strong Labour Party and we need the strongest possible team to hold the SNP Government to account in this new Parliamentary session.

“Alan’s experience will strengthen the Scottish Labour Party as we continue to lead the progressive opposition against the SNP Government and the Tories.”

Roden was appointed as the Scottish Daily Mail’s political editor in 2012.