I have represented Lib Dems at every national election since 2005
I was brought up in Fauldhouse and educated at Falla Hill Primary and Whitburn Academy.
I became the first ever recipient of the Boys’ Brigade’s highest award, the Queen’s Badge, in the 1st Fauldhouse Company’s 100-year history.
I joined Paddy Ashdown’s Liberal Democrats aged 16, inspired by the party’s support for Scottish Home Rule and their pro-Europeanism.
I went on to stand as a candidate for the Lib Dems for the first time in 1999’s West Lothian Council Elections. I have since represented the Scottish Liberal Democrats in Livingston at every General Election and by-election since 2005.
One of my proudest political moments came from rare moment of consensus at a hustings meeting in 2005 at which my Labour opponent – Robin Cook – agreed wholeheartedly with the point I was making about international development.
I am a history graduate from the University of Glasgow, and veteran of the Glasgow University Union Debating Society.
I was elected to the City of Edinburgh Council in 2007, where I chaired the Administration Group until 2012.
During that time as councillor I sat on the Planning Committee, Lothian and Borders Police Board and served as a Director of the Royal Lyceum Theatre’s Board.
Outwith politics I enjoy competitive quizzing, and won an episode of Channel 4’s 15-to-1 last year.
I am also keen on improvised comedy and performed at the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time in 2016.
I currently work as a public affairs manager for one of Scotland’s major environmental charities.
I joined Paddy Ashdown’s Lib Dems aged 16