Sarwar announces refreshed Scottish Labour shadow cabinet

Anas Sarwar has today announced a refreshed Scottish Labour shadow cabinet, saying the party will bring fresh energy and serious opposition to the new parliamentary term.

The Scottish Labour leader said Scotland needs an opposition focused on the issues that matter in people's lives: the NHS, the cost of living, jobs, schools and stronger communities.

The new Scottish Labour shadow cabinet is:

Scottish Labour Leader – Anas Sarwar

Shadow Minister for Parliamentary Business, External Affairs and Veterans – Neil Bibby

Scottish Labour Deputy Leader and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care – Jackie Baillie

Shadow Minister for Community Care and Mental Wellbeing – Joe Long

Shadow Minister for Public Health and Sport – Irshad Ahmed

Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Public Sector Reform – Michael Marra

Shadow Minister for Public Finance and Local Government – Joe Fagan

Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice – Pauline McNeill

Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs – Claire Baker

Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands – Donald MacKinnon

Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic – Katherine Sangster

Shadow Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education – Jenny Young

Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing – Mark Griffin

Shadow Minister for Equalities and International Development – Carol Mochan

Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, Tourism and Transport – Daniel Johnson

Shadow Minister for Business and Fair Work – Paul Sweeney

Katy Clark will lead cross-portfolio work on ending violence against women and girls.

Commenting, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar MSP said: “More than ever, Scotland needs fresh ideas and new energy to meet the challenges before us.

“This refreshed Scottish Labour team will put Scotland's interests first and focus on the priorities that matter to people's lives: our NHS, the cost of living, our economy and the strength of our communities.

“We will be an effective but also a responsible opposition. Where it is right to do so, we will work constructively with others in Scotland's interests.

“But we will also be relentless in holding John Swinney and the SNP to account, pressing them to deliver on their promises and challenging them when they get it wrong.

“Scotland cannot afford more decline, more deflection and more empty spin. This is not as good as it gets.”