THE leader of the SNP at Westminster has said his party will “stand up for Scotland” as he announced the party’s new team.
Ian Blackford promised to “do things very differently” to the party’s previous Westminster leader Angus Robertson, who lost his seat in the General Election.
Speaking on College Green in the shadow of the Houses of Parliament, Blackford told reporters: “I think we’ve got tremendous strength across the board – I think there are fantastic opportunities and arguably greater opportunities in this Parliament than was the case in the last parliament on the basis that it is a minority government.”
“So we will certainly be looking to make sure that we can stand up for Scotland and Brexit and make sure that we challenge Tory austerity.”
Deputy leader Kirsty Blackman was appointed as the party’s economy spokeswoman, Patrick Grady becomes chief whip and Stephen Gethins will be spokesman on International Affairs and Europe.
Hannah Bardell was announced as spokeswoman on Trade and Investment, while Neil Gray has been appointed Social Justice spokesman.
Mhairi Black was made spokeswoman on pensions and youth affairs, and Marion Fellows will take on the roles of deputy whip – alongside David Linden – and Small Business, Enterprise and Innovation spokeswoman.
Tommy Sheppard was appointed spokesman for the House of Lords, Scotland and Cabinet Offices, while Alison Thewliss was made treasury and cities spokeswoman.
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