Scottish Labour is ‘election ready’ according to Anas Sarwar

Scottish Labour is ‘election ready’ according to Anas Sarwar after he revealed his new Scottish Labour frontbench as Highland MSP Rhoda Grant takes on the shadow rural affairs brief.

Freshly confirmed in position she immediately attacked the record of the SNP and how it has dealt with rural areas over the years listing a lengthy number of issues from ferries, flights to Highly Protected Marine Areas, agricultural and land reform.

Mrs Grant said “I am delighted to accept this role with the huge challenges that are facing rural communities currently.

“I look forward to rolling my sleeves up and working with our rural communities to improve the shambles that impact almost every part of their lives; ferries, flights, HPMAs (Highly Protected Marine Areas), agricultural support and land reform."

New team

She is joined on the frontbench by MSP Jackie Baillie MSP and MP Ian Murray as the general election campaign co-coordinators

Revealing the new line-up, Anas Sarwar said that Scottish Labour is ‘ready to take on the SNP and Tories and deliver the change Scotland needs.”

Ms Baillie will also be the shadow cabinet secretary for health, Daniel Johnson takse on the economy and Michael Marra finance.

The shadow cabinet secretary for education and skills is Pam Duncan-Glancy, Sarah Boyack will work on net zero, energy, and just transition and Alex Rowley is transport spokesperson.

Neil Bibby becomes the shadow cabinet secretary for constitution, external affairs and culture, Paul O’Kane is the shadow cabinet secretary for social justice and social security and Pauline McNeill takes on the justice brief.

'Kick the Tories out'

Mr Sarwar said: “I am announcing that Scottish Labour is election ready, with my colleagues Ian Murray and Jackie Baillie being unveiled as co-coordinators for the next general election in Scotland.

“At that election, only Scottish Labour can take seats from the SNP, kick the Tories out, and deliver the Labour government that Scotland badly needs.

“From implementing a meaningful windfall tax on oil and gas giants to creating GB energy and the thousands of jobs that will bring to Scotland, a Labour government will transform our country. The road to that Labour government begins in Scotland.

“It is my promise to you, that the Scottish Labour Party I lead will always focus on your priorities.

“Scottish Labour – the change that Scotland needs.”

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