Top jobs for two Renfrewshire MSPs
Two Renfrewshire MSPs have been promoted as part of Nicola Sturgeon’s new government team.
Paisley MSP George Adam is the Minister for Parliamentary Business while Tom Arthur, who represents Renfrewshire South, is the Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth.
Mr Adam’s role means he has responsibility for government and parliamentary business, local government elections, Scottish Parliamentary elections as well as Freedom Of Information (FOI) and open government.
As a junior minister, he will work with John Swinney, who is the deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery.
Mr Adam said:“Being called to a meeting with the First Minister at St Andrew’s House is certainly a nerve-wracking, but exciting thing and I couldn’t have been more delighted when she asked me to join the Scottish Government as the new Minister for Parliamentary Business.
“I am looking forward to getting my teeth into this new role and working closely with the deputy First Minister, John Swinney, as we move forward and continue delivering for the people of Scotland.
“It is blatantly clear how committed the SNP are to bringing us out of this pandemic stronger than ever before and I for one cannot wait to see more positive changes implemented right here in our town.”
Mr Adam was previously the parliamentary liaison officer to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning from 2012 till 2016 then upon reelection to the Scottish Parliament, was appointed senior whip then chief whip in 2018.
Mr Arthur, who is currently serving his second term as MSP for Renfrewshire South, will work under Finance Secretary Kate Forbes in his new junior minister role.
He said:“I’m honoured to be appointed as Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth.
“The role draws on issues that are important to my constituents here in Renfrewshire South, and across the rest of the country.
“I’m excited to take on this challenge while continuing to serve communities across the area as their constituency MSP.”