The Scottish Conservatives have updated their shadow ministerial team ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.
Liz Smith MSP, who is standing down from Holyrood next year, will move from shadow social security secretary to shadow minister without portfolio. She will continue to attend shadow cabinet in a policy advisory role.
Alexander Stewart MSP has been promoted to shadow social security secretary and will continue as shadow minister for local government and public finance.
Stephen Kerr MSP has been promoted to shadow minister for employment and investment. He takes over from Pam Gosal MSP who has chosen to focus on her role as deputy chair of the party.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “I’m delighted to bring Alexander Stewart into the shadow cabinet. He will excel at challenging the SNP on fairness for taxpayers, as well as continuing the great work he’s done on local government and public finance.
“I want to thank Liz Smith for her immense contribution to the party over the years and I’m pleased she has agreed to continue to advise me on policy development, utilising her many years of experience and expertise.
“I’m pleased to promote Stephen Kerr who, as shadow minister for employment and investment, will relentlessly hold the SNP to account and promote our ideas to create opportunities and encourage aspiration.
“Stephen replaces the formidable Pam Gosal, who has been doing excellent work as deputy chair to get our party ready for next year’s Scottish Parliament election and I’m delighted she will now be able to dedicate even more time to that crucial preparation.
“Our Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party team is ready to fight the 2026 Holyrood election and put forward our vision to improve Scotland’s public services and economy.”
Scottish Conservative shadow minister without portfolio attending shadow cabinet in a policy advisory role Liz Smith said: “I will continue to help Russell and the party to build a positive and credible Conservative policy platform that can win over voters in next year’s election.”
Scottish Conservative shadow social security secretary and shadow minister for local government Alexander Stewart said: “I’m thrilled to join the shadow cabinet and I look forward to continuing Liz’s great work in exposing the SNP’s ballooning and unsustainable benefits bill.”
Scottish Conservative shadow minister for employment and investment Stephen Kerr said: “With over 30 years of experience in global business, I relish taking the fight to this failing SNP Government and championing the Scottish Conservatives’ common-sense proposals to support businesses, protect and create good jobs, and deliver value for money for taxpayers.”
Scottish Conservative deputy party chair Pam Gosal said: “It’s in Scotland’s interests that we get as many Scottish Conservative MSPs elected as possible next May, which will be my focus for the next year ahead.”