Scottish Conservatives announce frontbench reshuffle in election readiness bid

Russell Findlay has announced a frontbench reshuffle ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

Polls suggest the party will slip from second place next year.

At the recent Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, it was pushed into fourth place, narrowly avoiding the loss of its deposit.

Leader Findlay has now announced frontbench changes to ensure his team is “ready to fight” for votes.

Departing MSP Liz Smith, who will not contest the next election, will no longer cover social security, instead moving to the post of shadow minister without portfolio and continuing to advice on policy.

Alexander Stewart will take over from Smith on social security, with Stephen Kerr taking on the employment and investment brief from Pam Gosal, who “has chosen to focus on her role as deputy chair of the party”, the Scottish Conservatives said.

Findlay said Stewart will “excel at challenging the SNP on fairness for taxpayers”.

He commented: “I want to thank Liz Smith for her immense contribution to the party over the years and I'm pleased she has agreed to continue to advise me on policy development, utilising her many years of experience and expertise.

“I'm pleased to promote Stephen Kerr who, as shadow minister for employment and investment, will relentlessly hold the SNP to account and promote our ideas to create opportunities and encourage aspiration.

“Stephen replaces the formidable Pam Gosal, who has been doing excellent work as deputy chair to get our party ready for next year's Scottish Parliament election and I'm delighted she will now be able to dedicate even more time to that crucial preparation.

“Our Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party team is ready to fight the 2026 Holyrood election and put forward our vision to improve Scotland's public services and economy.”

Gosal added: “It’s in Scotland’s interests that we get as many Scottish Conservative MSPs elected as possible next May, which will be my focus for the next year ahead.”