Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has announced three new shadow education ministers - including two newly elected MSPs - as part of his team at Holyrood.
Oliver Mundell is returning to the front benches as shadow education secretary, after resigning last November as rural economy and tourism spokesman. He replaces Jamie Greene, who becomes shadow justice secretary after 15 months in the education role.
Mr Mundell tweeted: “After 14 years of SNP failure, we don’t have any time to waste. Every young person deserves the gold standard education Scotland was once world famous for. Until the SNP own their mistakes, progress will be slow.”
The @ScotTories Shadow Cabinet ?
We are ready to take the fight to the SNP from day one and start building Scotland’s real alternative. pic.twitter.com/PR5AHO6xiz
- Douglas Ross MP (@Douglas4Moray) May 20, 2021
Meghan Gallacher, a new MSP for the Central region, becomes shadow minister for children and young people. She tweeted: “This is a subject which I have learned a lot about as a councillor in North Lanarkshire. I will hold the Scottish government to account, especially in relation to 1,140 [early years and childcare] hours rollout.”
Pam Gosal, who this month became the first female MSP elected to the Scottish Parliament from an Indian background, representing the West Scotland region, is the new shadow minister for higher education and further education, youth employment and training.
Liz Smith, another former shadow education secretary, now has the shadow finance and economy portfolio.
Delighted to take on the Education & Skills brief for @ScotTories. After 14 years of SNP failure we don’t have any time to waste. Every young person deserves the gold standard education Scotland was once world famous for. Until the SNP own their mistakes, progress will be slow. pic.twitter.com/UMIDoFQBhv
- Oliver Mundell MSP (@olivermundell) May 20, 2021
Mr Ross, who is also an MP, now leads the Tory group at Holyrood after Ruth Davidson left the Scottish Parliament for the House of Lords.
He said: “Against the odds, the Scottish Conservatives produced our best Holyrood election result ever, winning 31 seats and 100,000 more votes than before.
“Our new team of MSPs is determined to improve the lives of people all over the country by focusing 100 per cent on Scotland’s recovery, and tackling the health and economic crisis we face.
“Our shadow cabinet will work constructively with other parties to get things done but we are equally ready to be a strong opposition and take the fight to the SNP from day one.
“They will drive forward at least 15 bills over the course of this parliamentary term as we start on the road to building Scotland’s real alternative to the SNP.”
First minister Nicola Sturgeon announced her new team of ministers yesterday, with Shirley-Anne Somerville taking over from John Swinney as education secretary.
