No positions for Dugdale and Rowley in team

Former leadership duo ‘did not want a frontline role’, says leader Leonard

Richard Leonard has unveiled his new frontbench team – but there is no place for Kezia Dugdale or Alex Rowley.

The Scottish Labour chief took a month to announce his shadow cabinet, which excludes the leadership team that took the party into this year’s general election.

Mr Leonard said both his predecessor and the former deputy agreed with him they “did not want a frontline role”.

Anas Sawar, who was Mr Leonard’s rival in a fractious leadership race, holds on to his position as health spokesman and takes on extra responsibility for sport.

It is understood that Jenny Marra, the Dundee-based Labour MSP, turned down a role in the cabinet because she wants to continue as convener of Holyrood’s public audit committee, which plays a major role in scrutinising the financial woes of NHS Tayside.

Claire Baker, the Fife MSP, has been moved from the justice brief to culture, tourism and external affairs.

The leader promoted his ally Neil Findlay to the new position of Brexit, campaigns and party engagement, while Elaine Smith takes up a rebranded post for the eradication of poverty and inequality.

A standalone position for communities, social security and equalities has been created and given to Monica Lennon, who championed Mr Leonard during the leadership campaign.

Picture: PA. Former leader Kezia Dugdale is not part of Scottish Labour’s new look frontline team.