Paul makes his maiden speech
MP describes election as “honour”
Paul Masterton, the MP for East Renfrewshire, described it as an “honour” to represent the constituency when he made his maiden speech at the House of Commons.
Mr Masterton, who ousted Kirsten Oswald of the SNP in June’s General Election, spoke for the first time at Westminster last week.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be standing here as the member for East Renfrewshire,” said Mr Masterton, whose constituency incorporates Eaglesham.
“I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor Kirsten Oswald. Kirsten was a diligent and conscientious MP who did superb work as her party’s spokesperson for veterans.
“She achieved a great deal in her short time in this place with much patience and charm, and I wish her and her family well for the future.”
Mr Masterton had a go at the SNP’s notorious jibe that there “are more pandas in Scotland than Tory MPs”.
He continued: “Whilst the result of this election may not have been what these benches hoped, north of the border the picture was a little brighter.
“Much like indyref2, the panda jokes are dead, and I am proud to stand alongside 11 fellow new Scottish Conservative faces.
“Together, we will continue to fight against the destructive politics of socialism, and the divisive politics of nationalism. But we shall do so with an outstretched hand, not a clenched fist.
“Because when the UK Government and the Scottish Government do come together in common cause, that partnership is capable of truly transformational change.
“For my part, I will first and foremost dedicate myself to improving the lives of people across East Renfrewshire and assisting them when life deals them a difficult hand or they just need someone to listen.
“East Renfrewshire’s leafy reputation hides pockets of severe deprivation and daily struggle; people who feel left behind and forgotten.
“It is those people who look to this place, and to each of us, to demonstrate the good that government can do. We must not let them down.”