Johann Lamont hands key job to leadership rival

NEW Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont has handed a key shadow cabinet role to her closest challenger.

Ken Macintosh takes over the finance, employment and sustainable growth remit after being beaten into second place in Saturday’s leadership contest.

In a surprise move, Hugh Henry, the current convener of Holyrood’s public audit committee, takes over the education brief. He is a former education minister and will now step down from his committee role.

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There are also more women round the shadow cabinet table, taking eight of the 15 places at yesterday’s inaugural meeting in Glasgow.

Ms Lamont, MSP for Glasgow Pollok, said she would set out a positive vision for a “fair” Scotland that could pay its own way. She said: “My shadow cabinet will be inclusive, bringing together experienced former ministers and newer voices to speak on the important issues for Scotland.

“Our job will not just be to hold the Scottish Government to account, but to show our party’s ambition again.

“Together we must set out and convince the people of Scotland of Labour’s vision for our country. Ours is a positive vision for a prosperous Scotland that can pay its own way, a wealth-creating Scotland that uses its wealth to build a fairer country, a Scotland determined that not one person’s talent is wasted, a Scotland that challenges all Scots to be all that they can be, and which creates the conditions in which we can reach our aspirations.

“My shadow cabinet will comprise elected politicians and also experts in their fields from all walks of life to advise, share experience and help shape the future of our country. I will make more appointments in the coming weeks and months.”

Jackie Baillie, a key member of Ms Lamont’s leadership campaign team, remains in charge of health.

Patricia Ferguson will be spokeswoman for culture, external affairs and the Commonwealth Games.

Richard Baker moves from finance to become spokesman for infrastructure and capital investment, and is joined in the shadow cabinet team by his wife Claire.

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Lewis Macdonald makes a surprise switch to become justice spokesman, taking over from James Kelly, who moves to become chief whip.

Sarah Boyack becomes spokeswoman for local government and planning, while Paul Martin remains parliamentary business manager.

Kezia Dugdale becomes shadow youth employment minister, following Labour’s successful campaign to ensure the Scottish Government created a dedicated ministerial position for that role earlier this month.

Siobhan McMahon becomes parliamentary private secretary to Johann Lamont and will focus on external engagement.

Anas Sarwar, MP, the new deputy leader of the Scottish Labour Party, said: “Kezia will work constructively across portfolios so Scottish Labour plays its part in stopping another generation lost to youth unemployment.

“Siobhan will ensure that the voice of civic Scotland is heard at the heart of Scottish politics.”

Ms Lamont becomes the first person to lead the whole of the Labour Party in Scotland, rather than just the Holyrood group, following changes to its structure in summer.