Reform unveils Scottish frontbench

Reform UK has announced its frontbench team in Scotland, following parliamentary approval of the new Scottish Cabinet.

Leader Malcolm Offord has taken on the economy and public sector reform portfolios – which will put him head-to-head with First Minister John Swinney, economy secretary Stephen Flynn and public service reform secretary Ivan McKee.

Deputy leader Thomas Kerr will shadow deputy first minister Jenny Gilruth and has also been handed responsibility for the social justice and housing portfolio.

Glasgow MSP Kim Schmulian takes on the finance brief, while Highlands and Islands MSP Max Banner is the party’s business manager and whip.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Helen McDade will cover health, Edinburgh’s Angela Ross is the new education spokesperson, Central Scotland and Lothians West MSP Amanda Bland will focus on Justice and South Scotland’s Jamie Langan has responsibility for rural affairs.

Offord said: “Each member of this team brings dedication, expertise, and energy to their new role. Together, we will hold the government to account and fight for the priorities that matter most to working people, families, businesses, and communities across Scotland.”

Of Reform’s 17 MSPs, 16 of them are brand new to Holyrood.

Graham Simpson, the only one to have been an MSP previously, was not chosen to be in the top team though he will represent the party on transport issues and was earlier on Thursday elected to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body.

The other junior shadow positions are as follows:

• Constitution: Senga Beresford
• Energy: Duncan Massey
• Veterans: David Smith
• Women and Equalities: Amanda Lindsay
• Local Government: Julie MacDougall
• Drugs, Alcohol Policy and Sport: Vic Currie
• Community Care: David Smith
• Innovation, Technology, and Tertiary Education: David Kirkwood

• Victims and Community Justice: Mark Simpson

The Scottish Parliament earlier approved the appointment of MSPs as cabinet secretaries and ministers, following the announcements on Wednesday afternoon.

This included bringing Jamie Hepburn back in at parliamentary business minister, despite being forced to resign from that role less than a year after former Tory leader Douglas Ross accused him of assault.

The Conservatives sought to block that appointment, but the amendment was voted down.

MSP Meghan Gallacher said: “This SNP minister’s behaviour fell well short of the standards expected…. John Swinney must explain why he thinks it is now okay for Hepburn to be rewarded again, especially when his role requires cross-party dialogue.”