About
Being elected to the very first Scottish Parliament in 1999 was the honour of my life. In 1999, I was a member of the very first Scottish Cabinet and was able to bring about changes that are still in place today such as Free Bus Travel for the Over 60’s and Scotland’s first National Parks. In 2016, I was not returned to Parliament and for three years worked in academia and the housing sector. In 2019, I was privileged to return to Parliament. During my time out of Parliament I had gained a fresh insight into the challenges facing families and organisations across the Lothians, the impact of Edinburgh’s housing crisis and had unfinished business to secure a fair, equal and sustainable Scotland.
As Scottish Labour’s Spokesperson on Net Zero, Energy and Just Transition, I have long advocated and campaigned for a just transition to tackle the climate emergency that will have far reaching consequences for both people and planet. I believe that we can find the solutions to these issues together, and I will continue to promote and work with those across Edinburgh and Scotland to make that a reality.
I want to see the Scottish Parliament use the powers it has to the max to benefit the people of Edinburgh and Scotland. It is more critical than ever, with issues such as the cost of living crisis, that the Scottish Parliament uses every power at its disposal, to tackle the big issues.