I am standing to change
the Scottish Labour Party
Rooted in Labour. Ready to lead.
I was born and raised in Dundee, in a family shaped by teaching, trade unionism and the Labour movement. Politics was never something abstract in our house. It was about fairness, solidarity and improving people's lives.
Before entering Parliament, I worked for Oxfam and the University of Dundee and served as a councillor in Lochee. I now represent North East Scotland and serve as Scottish Labour's finance spokesperson.
Politics is a moral purpose. We must build a fairer, more equal Scotland and leave it as a legacy to our children. That is in the best traditions of the Scottish Labour Party.
I have shown that determined Labour representation can deliver change: securing life changing urogynaecology surgery for 142 women across Scotland who were badly let down by our public services, standing alongside patients and families affected by the Eljamel scandal and helping secure a public inquiry, fighting for the future of the University of Dundee and Scotland's universities, and forcing action on public sector pay and pensions.
I am a husband, a father of three, and a lifelong Dundee United supporter. My family and my city keep me grounded.
Read more
I am rooted in Labour and ready to lead.
Join my campaign
Sign up to hear from the campaign, help spread the word, and be part of renewing Scottish Labour.
Sign up
Get campaign updates and ways to help.
Your details will only be used by this campaign. Privacy policy linked below.
Why I am standing
Scottish Labour has gone backwards in all six Holyrood elections since devolution began. This cannot be treated as a reaction to one bad defeat. It must be a moment of renewal for our party and its purpose.
Together, we can build a better, more equal nation and leave that legacy for our children.
- ✓Leadership rooted in Labour values of fairness, work, solidarity and opportunity.
- ✓Radical ideas and a positive vision for Scotland's future.
- ✓Straight talking and honest leadership that rebuilds trust.
- ✓A renewed party shaped by its members, trade unions and communities and rooted in our purpose.
- ✓A relentless focus on delivery: better jobs, stronger public services and opportunity for every community in Scotland.
What I will do
Focus on delivering change now
Our work cannot simply be about producing a prospectus for the 2031 Scottish Parliament election.
Read more
I will work with our colleagues in the UK Government to ensure Scotland benefits fully from the action they take. In Holyrood, Scottish Labour will put our priorities at the heart of Scottish politics and press the Scottish Government to go further and faster in delivering the change Scotland needs.
My leadership will be defined by radical ideas, change for all of Scotland, and a relentless focus on delivery.
Renewing our party
I will put our movement at the heart of party renewal.
Read more
A short-term review with a narrow focus on the 2026 election campaign cannot provide the space for the deep reflection our party needs.
I will establish a full process through which members across Scotland and the wider Labour movement can shape the reforms our party needs. That process will lead to a clear plan for changing how our party is organised, develops policy and campaigns across Scotland.
Our party must be rooted in every part of Scotland. I will devolve more power, give members greater control and autonomy over organisation, campaigning, and the local and national policy process. Our local parties must also be properly empowered and resourced to carry out that work.
Change how Scottish Labour develops policy
Our policy approach will be rooted in Labour values and judged by the outcomes it delivers for people.
Read more
It will focus on four clear missions:
- Creating a fairer nation.
- Delivering better public services.
- Helping people live better lives.
- Improving opportunities for everyone in Scotland.
Policy and public spending must be directly linked to the difference they make to people's lives and their prospects for the future.