Gavin Brown named as Tory spokesman for finance

Published on Thursday 12 May 2011 18:57

Tory MSP Gavin Brown has become the party's new finance spokesman, as party leader Annabel Goldie unveiled her front-bench team for the coming months.

He replaces Derek Brownlee, who failed to return to Holyrood for the Scotland of Scotland after the SNP's landslide victory last week.

Ms Goldie unveiled the changes in what is expected to be her last reshuffle before she stands down as party leader.

Newly elected Glasgow MSP Ruth Davidson, a former BBC radio presenter, takes over the culture brief from Ted Brocklebank, who stood down as an MSP before the election.

Deputy leader Murdo Fraser, the favourite to replace Ms Goldie as party leader later this year, remains as health spokesman.

Former Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson, who returns to the Tory fold, takes over rural affairs and environment from John Scott who has become a Deputy Presiding Officer.

Another potential leadership candidate, John Lamont, remains as party justice spokesman.

West of Scotland MSP Jackson Carlaw, another possible challenger for the party leadership in October, will be spokesman on transport, infrastructure and climate change.

The Tories lost two MSPs, taking them to 15.

Ms Goldie said she would stay on until a likely election to find a new leader later this year.

She said: "I believe that the time has come for the torch to pass, and I can confirm that I will not be a candidate."