Anas Sarwar unveils Scottish Labour shadow cabinet

Irshad Ahmed, who was accused of making offensive remarks about Israel, has been made a shadow minister in a Scottish Labour reshuffle.

Ahmed reportedly called for a “crushing defeat” for Israel in a speech given after the October 7 attack.

The speech was delivered in Urdu to an audience in Edinburgh and translated by The Telegraph, with Ahmed later saying he wants a “two-state solution that provides lasting peace” and for “people in both Israel and Palestine to be able to live in peace and security”.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has stood by Ahmed, saying the Edinburgh and Lothians MSP has “clarified his comments”, despite anger from the Israeli embassy, which called the remark “deeply offensive”.

Ahmed, who was previously a candidate for both the SNP and Alba, has now been included in a Scottish Labour shadow ministerial team which follows a bruising election for the party.

While Sarwar aimed to become the largest party in the parliament after a lengthy stint in opposition, his group was returned on just 17 MSPs, putting it neck-and-neck with Reform UK.

He will take on the public health and sport role as a counterpart to SNP minister Maree Todd.

Sarwar 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.”

Sarwar will continue as Scottish Labour leader, supported by parliamentary business, external affairs and veterans shadow minister Neil Bibby.

Depute leader Jackie Baillie will retain responsibility for health and care, supported by Ahmed and fellow newcomer Joe Long, who takes community care and mental wellbeing.

Michael Marra, who covered the finance brief in the last parliament, continues in place, also taking on public sector reform while Joe Fagan leads on public finance and local government.

Pauline McNeill will resume her justice spokesperson role, with Claire Baker becoming shadow cabinet secretary for climate action and rural affairs.

Crofter MSP Donald MacKinnon takes on agriculture, marine and the islands, with Katherine Sangster appointed spokesperson for education, culture and Gaelic and Jenny Young taking innovation, technology and tertiary education.

Mark Griffin assumes the social justice and housing brief, with Carol Mochan on equalities and international development.

Daniel Johnson picks up economy, energy, tourism and transport, while Paul Sweeney does the same for business and fair work.

Katy Clark, who recently resigned from the House of Lords and was elected as a deputy presiding officer, is to “lead cross-portfolio work on ending violence against women and girls”.

Sarwar said: “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.”