News update.
The new Scottish Shadow Cabinet and shadow ministerial team has been announced. Nobody is staying in the same job they had under the previous leadership – this is a root and branch rebuilding of the Scottish front bench.
Both of Jim Murphy’s competitors for the leadership have been given prominent roles, an indication that the new leadership is reaching out and unifying the party after what was, in fairness, a pretty collegiate leadership election, but one which certainly highlighted differences.
A promotion for Jenny Marra to Health demonstrates a commitment to new faces and new ideas, while the Education job for Iain Gray shows continuity and strength.
The full shadow cabinet is as follows:
Leader: Jim Murphy
Deputy Leader: Kezia Dugdale
Finance, Constitution & Economy: Jackie Baillie
Infrastructure, Investment and Cities: Mary Fee
Fair Work, Skills and Training: Neil Findlay
Education & Lifelong Learning: Iain Gray
Health, Wellbeing and Sport: Jenny Marra
Social Justice, Communities & Pensioners’ rights: Ken Mackintosh
Justice: Hugh Henry
Rural Affairs, Food & Environment: Sarah Boyack
Culture, Europe & External Affairs: Claire Baker
Parliamentary Business Manager: James Kelly
Also attending cabinet:
Chief Whip: Neil Bibby
Enterprise: Graeme Pearson