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by Kirsteen Paterson
19 November 2024
SNP ex-minister becomes Scottish Government special adviser

Marco Biagi at Camera Obscura for St Andrews Day as a Scottish Goverment minister

SNP ex-minister becomes Scottish Government special adviser

Former minister Marco Biagi has rejoined the Scottish Government as a special adviser.

Ex-MSP Biagi served as minister for local government and community empowerment from 2014-16 under Nicola Sturgeon. He stepped down from parliament in 2016.

He has now returned to the Scottish Government as a special adviser.

Posting on social network Bluesky, Biagi said the move meant he can no longer continue as a member of City of Edinburgh Council.

He was elected to the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward in 2022, but has now resigned his seat and a byelection will take place.

Biagi stated: "I've taken up a post today as a special adviser with the Scottish Government, working on the programme and strategy for the country. I investigated the possibility of combining this with my role as an Edinburgh councillor, but the legal requirements proved to be unworkable.

"With heavy heart I therefore stepped down from City of Edinburgh Council this morning. It’s been an honour to work on behalf of the residents of my ward to make the city a better place.

I've taken up a post today as a Special Adviser with the Scottish Government, working on the programme and strategy for the country. I investigated the possibility of combining this with my role as an Edinburgh councillor, but the legal requirements proved to be unworkable.

Marco Biagi (@marcobiagi.bsky.social) 2024-11-19T12:47:12.982Z

"It’s also been a joy to work with my colleagues and all the excellent team at the council. I wish them all the greatest success."

Biagi's appointment to the special advisor team follows that of former Yes Scotland strategist Stephen Noon.

Simita Kumar, leader of the SNP group on City of Edinburgh Council, said of Biagi: "While we are sad to lose his dedication and expertise, we are excited for his next chapter. He will be greatly missed by colleagues and constituents alike."

The news comes just days after the last byelection in Colinton/Fairmilehead. The contest was called because previous councillor Scott Arthur resigned his seat on winning election to Westminster. 

Louise Watson-Spence of the Scottish Liberal Democrats was announced as the winner on Friday after a contest in which turnout was just 37.4 per cent.

The result made the Lib Dems the second largest party on the council, following the SNP on 18, and reduced Labour's minority administration to just 11.

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