Russell takes on new convener role

MICHAEL RUSSELL, above, Argyll and Bute MSP, has taken over as convener of the Finance Committee at the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Russell said: ‘I am honoured and a little daunted to be chosen for this role. Given that there is now a minority government in Scotland, the job of Finance Committee convener will be to seek consensus on the budget, to ensure the parliament’s new tax powers are introduced smoothly and effectively, and to protect and develop the model for public scrutiny of the budget and public finances in Scotland.’