Holyrood · Shadow cabinet
Reform announces a new Holyrood shadow cabinet
Back from recess, Reform’s MSPs have reshuffled their team. Amanda Lindsay takes on education, women and girls, Angela Ross moves to finance and the economy, and Kim Schmulian becomes Shadow Lord Advocate.
Back from recess with a new line-up
Reform UK has a new-look shadow cabinet at Holyrood. The changes were agreed at a meeting of the Scottish Parliamentary Group and announced on 27 October, as MSPs returned from the autumn recess. Party leader Malcolm Offord says the group is coming back with renewed vigour.
The biggest moves are at the top table. Amanda Lindsay steps up to Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, Women and Girls. Angela Ross takes over finance and the economy. Kim Schmulian becomes Shadow Lord Advocate, leading on criminal justice and victims. Senga Beresford joins the education team as Shadow Minister for Children, Young People and Tertiary Education.
“We have shuffled our talented team to benefit from our great mix of experience, skill and determination.
“Over the first six months of this parliament, we’ve seen the impact their contributions have had in bringing fresh perspective to a tired Holyrood.
“Our objective for this 7th Holyrood Parliament is simple – to prioritise an alternative vision for a prosperous Scotland – this is the only way to re-engage with the 2 million Scots who did not vote in May.
“This Reform Shadow Cabinet will drive that ambition forward.”
Who has moved where
Every one of Reform’s sixteen MSPs has a brief, and most have a new one. Amanda Lindsay, who spoke for the party on women and equalities, now leads on education as well. Angela Ross hands education over to her and takes finance from Kim Schmulian, who moves to justice. The Lord Advocate is the Scottish Government’s senior law officer, and Schmulian will shadow that office with a focus on victims.
Senga Beresford moves from the constitution to children, young people, colleges and universities. The constitution passes to Victor Currie, who adds culture and external affairs after a spell on drugs, alcohol and sport. David Kirkwood keeps innovation and technology, now without tertiary education.
Thomas Kerr stays on as deputy leader and Shadow Deputy First Minister. His brief widens from social justice and housing to housing, community cohesion, public safety and drugs. Max Bannerman remains Parliamentary Business Manager and picks up public sector reform, which Malcolm Offord previously held alongside the economy. Offord now concentrates on the job of Shadow First Minister.
David Smith, formerly community care, takes on two portfolios: veterans and social mobility, and neurodiversity, mental and public health. Mark Simpson moves from victims and community justice to business and work, and Graham Simpson adds tourism to transport. Julie MacDougall stays on local government, Duncan Massey on energy, Helen McDade on health and Jamie Langan on rural affairs.
The shadow cabinet
Click a name to see that MSP’s page on the Scottish Parliament website.
