Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has unveiled a “shadow cabinet” drawn largely from the party’s new MSPs.
The Tories were promoted to Holyrood’s second biggest party at the Scottish election, with a raft of new faces taking seats vacated by retiring Tory MSPs and defeated Labour MSPs.
Just three of the nine party spokesperson posts have gone to experienced MSPs.
Deputy leader Jackson Carlaw will shadow Fiona Hyslop in culture, tourism and external affairs, and former Economy Committee convener Murdo Fraser will shadow Finance Secretary Derek Mackay.
Liz Smith retains her role as education spokeswoman, tasked with holding Deputy First Minister John Swinney to account in his new education brief.
John Lamont remains the party’s chief whip.
The remaining posts have all gone to new MSPs, including Dean Lockhart, who has been appointed economy, jobs and fair work spokesman, Donald Cameron in health and sport and Adam Tomkins shadowing communities, social security, the constitution and equalities.
Douglas Ross will be the party’s new justice spokesman, Peter Chapman takes rural economy and connectivity and Maurice Golden will speak on the environment, climate change and land reform.
Ms Davidson said: “The Scottish Conservatives have brought a fresh team to the Scottish Parliament and this new shadow cabinet is proof of that. It is a blend of experience and new talent who are ready and raring to go.
“This team brings talent and expertise from outside the parliament into the elected politics of Scotland.
“They will do the job that people in Scotland want to see from us – holding the SNP to account, putting forward positive policy alternatives and ensuring that, through strong opposition, we get better government.”
