Scottish Conservatives reshuffle top team

Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay has restructured his frontbench team following his party’s drubbing at the recent election.

Of the 12 Conservative MSPs, 11 have been given a portfolio.

Douglas Lumsden has been excluded. The MSP is set to fight the Westminster by-election in Aberdeen South next month, which if he wins would force him to resign his seat at Holyrood.

Confirming the changes, Findlay said: “I was deeply disappointed to lose valued colleagues who have been tremendous advocates for their constituents and who took the fight to the SNP.

“But I’m certain that our dynamic dozen Scottish Conservative MSPs will still be the most effective opposition to John Swinney’s SNP.”

Deputy leader Rachael Hamilton is the party’s spokesperson for business and tourism, while Tim Eagle is chief whip alongside the housing and transport briefs.

Craig Hoy is the finance and social security spokesperson, while Murdo Fraser takes on the new portfolio of public sector reform, as well as culture.

Liam Kerr is focused on energy, Miles Briggs on health, Stephen Kerr on justice, Meghan Gallacher on education, Alexander Burnett on local government, and Finlay Carson on rural affairs.

The group dropped from 31 MSPs at the last election to just 12, falling from the second largest party to second smallest.

First Minister John Swinney announced his cabinet and junior ministers on Wednesday, while Reform confirmed its frontbench team on Thursday.