Two called up by new Tory leader Ross

Two Mid Scotland and Fife MSPS have been named in the shadow cabinet of new Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross.

Alexander Stewart was “thrilled” at being confirmed as shadow minister for local government and planning, while Dean Lockhart is now the shadow cabinet secretary for the constitution, Europe and external affairs.

Prior to becoming an MSP in 2016, Mr Stewart was a Perth and Kinross councillor for 18 years.

He was initially appointed shadow minister for local government in 2018 by Ruth Davidson.

Following a spell as deputy chief whip Mr Stewart was assigned the local government post with the additional portfolio of planning.

Mr Stewart said: “With the responsibility of planning added to my portfolio I relish the challenge, as this enables me to shadow the incumbent SNP minister Kevin Stewart on a like-for-like basis.

“This latest acknowledgement and confirmation by Douglas is a huge honour, which is enormously appreciated and I am eager to get started.”

Mr Lockhart has served in the shadow cabinet since being elected in 2016. He first served as shadow cabinet secretary for the economy and more recently as shadow cabinet secretary for business, infrastructure and transport.

He said: “I’m delighted to be part of Douglas Ross’s new team.

“We are facing another push for independence at a time when, as a country, we should be focusing on securing our close connections with the rest of the UK, especially given the uncertainty of the current Covid-19 crisis.

“This SNP government must be held to account as they continue to drive their damaging and divisive obsession and I am pleased to be asked to be at the forefront of that fight.”