# Opposition Shadow Cabinets of the Scottish Parliament

Unlike in the Parliament at Westminster where there is an Official Opposition to the government of the day, all parties in the Scottish Parliament that are not in government are all technically on the same footing as 'opposition parties'. With the Scottish National Party (SNP) currently in government, the Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Labour each have a shadow cabinet composed of Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and prospective parliamentary candidates.
Shadow cabinet ministers have a responsibility to shadow an individual government minister or a specific area of government. Other parties have frontbench teams with spokespersons covering multiple areas of government or which are composed of spokespersons from both within and outwith the Scottish Parliament.

## Current Shadow Cabinets
### Current Conservative Shadow Cabinet

Findlay Shadow Cabinet :
| Shadow Minister Constituency | Shadow Minister Constituency | Portfolio | Term |
| Shadow Cabinet Secretaries ||||
| | Russell Findlay MSP for West Scotland | Leader of the Scottish Conservatives | 2024–present |
| | Rachael Hamilton MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire | Deputy Leader | 2024–present |
| | Craig Hoy MSP for South Scotland | Finance and Local Government | 2024–present |
| | Murdo Fraser MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife | Business, Economy, Tourism and Culture | 2022–present |
| | Sandesh Gulhane MSP for Glasgow | Health and Social Care | 2021–present |
| | Miles Briggs MSP for Lothian | Education and Skills | 2024–present |
| | Douglas Lumsden MSP for North East Scotland | Net Zero and Energy | 2022–present |
| | Liam Kerr MSP for North East Scotland | Justice | 2024–present |
| | Liz Smith MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife | Social Security | 2024–present |
| | Meghan Gallacher MSP for Central Scotland | Housing | 2024–present |
| | Sue Webber MSP for Lothian | Transport | 2024–present |
| | Tim Eagle MSP for Highlands and Islands | Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Fishing | 2024–present |
| | Alexander Burnett MSP for Aberdeenshire West | Chief Whip | 2024–present |

### Current Scottish Labour Shadow Cabinet

Sarwar Shadow Cabinet :
| Minister Constituency | Minister Constituency | Portfolio | Shadows | Term |
| Shadow Cabinet Secretaries |||||
| | Anas Sarwar MSP for Glasgow | Leader | John Swinney | 2021–present |
| | Jackie Baillie MSP for Dumbarton | Depute Leader | Kate Forbes | 2021–present |
| | Jackie Baillie MSP for Dumbarton | NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care and Drugs Policy | Neil Gray | 2021–present |
| | Michael Marra MSP for North East Scotland | Finance | Shona Robinson | 2023–present |
| | Daniel Johnson MSP for Edinburgh Southern | Economy, Business and Fair Work | Kate Forbes | 2021–present |
| | Neil Bibby MSP for West Scotland | Constitution, External Affairs and Culture | Angus Robertson | 2023-present |
| | Sarah Boyack MSP for Lothian | Net Zero, Energy, and Just Transition | Màiri McAllan | 2023-present |
| | Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP for Glasgow | Education and Skills | Jenny Gilruth | 2023-present |
| | Rhoda Grant MSP for Highlands and Islands | Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands | Mairi Gougeon | 2023-present |
| | Pauline McNeill MSP for Glasgow | Justice | Angela Constance | 2021-present |
| | Paul O'Kane MSP for West Scotland | Social Justice and Social Security, and Equalities | Shirley-Anne Somerville | 2023-present |
| Junior ministers |||||
| | Alex Rowley MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife | Transport | Fiona Hyslop | 2023-present |
| | Mark Griffin MSP for Central Scotland | Local Government and Housing | Paul McLennan | 2023-present |
| | Foysol Choudhury MSP for Lothian | Culture, Europe and International Development | Tom Arthur | 2023-present |
| | Katy Clark MSP for West Scotland | Community Safety | Siobhian Brown | 2023-present |
| | Carol Mochan MSP for South Scotland | Public Health and Women’s Health | Jenni Minto | 2023-present |
| | Paul Sweeney MSP for Glasgow | Mental Health and Veterans | Graeme Dey | 2023-present |
| | Mercedes Villalba MSP for North East Scotland | Environment and Biodiversity | Alasdair Allan | 2023-present |
| | Martin Whitfield MSP for South Scotland | Parliamentary Business Manager | Jamie Hepburn | 2023-present |
| | Martin Whitfield MSP for South Scotland | Children and Young People | Natalie Don | 2023-present |
| | Colin Smyth MSP for South Scotland | Older persons' champion | Kaukab Stewart | 2023-present |
| Westminster Cabinet Ministers |||||
| | Ian Murray MP for Edinburgh South | Secretary of State for Scotland | N/A | 2024–present |
| | Douglas Alexander MP for Lothian East | Minister of State for Business and Trade | N/A | 2024-present |
| | Kirsty McNeill MP for Midlothian | Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland | N/A | 2024-present |
| | Michael Shanks MP for Rutherglen | Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero | N/A | 2024-present |

## Conservative Shadow Cabinets
### Previous Shadow Cabinets

Second Davidson Shadow Cabinet :
| Portfolio | Officeholder | Term |
| Leader | Ruth Davidson | 2016–2020 |
| Deputy Leader | Jackson Carlaw | 2016–2020 |
| Europe and External Affairs | Jackson Carlaw | 2016–2020 |
| Culture and Tourism | Jackson Carlaw | 2016–2017 |
| Culture and Tourism | Rachael Hamilton | 2017–2020 |
| Finance | Murdo Fraser | 2016–2020 |
| Economy, Jobs and Fair Work | Dean Lockhart | 2016–2020 |
| Health and Sport | Donald Cameron | 2016–2017 |
| Health and Sport | Miles Briggs | 2017–2020 |
| Education and Skills | Liz Smith | 2016–2020 |
| Constitution | Adam Tomkins | 2016–2020 |
| Social Security | Adam Tomkins | 2016–2018 |
| Social Security | Michelle Ballantyne | 2018–2020 |
| Justice | Douglas Ross | 2016–2017 |
| Justice | Liam Kerr | 2017–2020 |
| Rural Economy and Connectivity | Peter Chapman | 2016–2020 |
| Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform | Maurice Golden | 2016–2017 |
| Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform | Donald Cameron | 2017–2020 |
| Chief Whip | John Lamont | 2016–2017 |
| Chief Whip | Maurice Golden | 2017–2020 |
Carlaw Shadow Cabinet :
| Portfolio | Officeholder | Term |
| Leader | Jackson Carlaw | February–August 2020 |
| Deputy Leader | Liam Kerr | February–August 2020 |
| Justice | Liam Kerr | February–August 2020 |
| Deputy Leader | Annie Wells | February–August 2020 |
| Climate Change, Environment and Land Reform | Annie Wells | February–August 2020 |
| Finance | Donald Cameron | February–August 2020 |
| Constitution and External Affairs | Murdo Fraser | February–August 2020 |
| Strategy | Adam Tomkins | February–August 2020 |
| Health | Miles Briggs | February–August 2020 |
| Education | Jamie Greene | February–August 2020 |
| Parliamentary Business Manager | Maurice Golden | February–August 2020 |
| Climate Change, Environment and Land Reform | Maurice Golden | February–August 2020 |
| Economy, Fair Work and Culture | Maurice Golden | February–August 2020 |
| Business, Infrastructure and Transport | Dean Lockhart | February–August 2020 |
| Rural Economy and Tourism | Rachael Hamilton | February–August 2020 |
| Housing, Communities and Social Security | Graham Simpson | February–August 2020 |
| Chief Whip | Liz Smith | February–August 2020 |
Ross–Davidson Shadow Cabinet :
| Portfolio | Officeholder | Term |
| Leader | Douglas Ross | 2020–present |
| Leader in the Scottish Parliament | Ruth Davidson | 2020–2021 |
| Education and Skills | Jamie Greene | 2020–present |
| Justice | Liam Kerr | 2020–present |
| Health and Sport | Donald Cameron | 2020–present |
| Finance | Murdo Fraser | 2020–present |
| Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform | Liz Smith | 2020–present |
| Rural Economy and Tourism | Jamie Halcro Johnston | 2020–present |
| Constitution, Europe and External Affairs | Dean Lockhart | 2020–present |
| Communities and Local Government | Annie Wells | 2020–present |
| Economy, Fair Work and Culture | Maurice Golden | 2020–present |
| Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity | Graham Simpson | 2020–present |
| Social Security and Older People | Rachael Hamilton | 2020–present |
| Chief Whip | Miles Briggs | 2020–present |

## Scottish Labour Shadow Cabinets
### Previous Shadow Cabinets

McConnell Shadow Cabinet :
| Portfolio | Officeholder | Term |
| Leader | Jack McConnell | May–August 2007 |
| Deputy Leader and Parliamentary Business | Cathy Jamieson | May–August 2007 |
| Finance and Sustainable Growth | Wendy Alexander | May–August 2007 |
| Education and Lifelong Learning | Hugh Henry | May–August 2007 |
| Health and Wellbeing | Andy Kerr | May–August 2007 |
| Justice | Margaret Curran | May–August 2007 |
| Rural Affairs and Environment | Rhona Brankin | May–August 2007 |
| Junior Opposition posts |||
| Europe, External Affairs and Culture | Patricia Ferguson | May–August 2007 |
| Enterprise, Energy and Tourism | Iain Gray | May–August 2007 |
| Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change | Des McNulty | May–August 2007 |
| Schools and Skills | Ken Macintosh | May–August 2007 |
| Children and Early Years | Pauline McNeill | May–August 2007 |
| Public Health | Lewis Macdonald | May–August 2007 |
| Communities and Sport | Johann Lamont | May–August 2007 |
| Community Safety | Paul Martin | May–August 2007 |
| Environment | Sarah Boyack | May–August 2007 |
| Deputy Parliamentary Business | Michael McMahon | May–August 2007 |
| Parliamentary Private Secretary to Jack McConnell | Richard Baker | May–August 2007 |
Alexander Shadow Cabinet :
| Portfolio | Officeholder | Term |
| Leader | Wendy Alexander | 2007–2008 |
| Deputy Leader | Cathy Jamieson | 2007–2008 |
| Parliamentary Business | Cathy Jamieson | 2007–2008 |
| Finance and Sustainable Growth | Iain Gray | 2007–2008 |
| Health and Wellbeing | Margaret Curran | 2007–2008 |
| Public Services and Local Government | Andy Kerr | 2007–2008 |
| Justice | Pauline McNeil | 2007–2008 |
| Education and Lifelong Learning | Rhona Brankin | 2007–2008 |
| Rural Affairs and Environment | Sarah Boyack | 2007–2008 |
| Junior Opposition posts |||
| Europe and Culture | Patricia Ferguson | 2007–2008 |
| Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change | Des McNulty | 2007–2008 |
| Schools and Skills | Ken Macintosh | 2007–2008 |
| Public Health | Lewis Macdonald | 2007–2008 |
| Communities and Sport | Johann Lamont | 2007–2008 |
| Community Safety | Paul Martin | 2007–2008 |
Gray Shadow Cabinet :
| Portfolio | Officeholder | Term |
| Leader | Iain Gray | 2008–2011 |
| Deputy Leader | Johann Lamont | 2008–2011 |
| Parliamentary Business Manager | Michael McMahon | 2008–2011 |
| Chief Whip | David Stewart | 2008–2011 |
| Europe, External Affairs and Culture | Pauline McNeill | 2008–2011 |
| Finance and Sustainable Growth | Andy Kerr | 2008–2011 |
| Economy and Skills | John Park | 2008–2009 |
| Education and Lifelong Learning | Rhona Brankin | 2008–2009 |
| Education and Lifelong Learning | Des McNulty | 2009–2011 |
| Health and Wellbeing | Cathy Jamieson | 2008–2009 |
| Health and Wellbeing | Jackie Baillie | 2009–2011 |
| Justice | Richard Baker | 2008–2011 |
| Rural Affairs and Environment | Sarah Boyack | 2008–2011 |
| Minister without Portfolio | Margaret Curran | 2008–2010 |
| Minister without Portfolio | John Park | 2010–2011 |
| Local Government | Michael McMahon | 2009–2011 |
Lamont Shadow Cabinet :
| Portfolio | Officeholder | Term |
| Leader | Johann Lamont | 2011–2014 |
| Deputy Leader | Anas Sarwar | 2011–2014 |
| Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth | Ken Macintosh | 2011–2013 |
| Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth | Iain Gray | 2013–2014 |
| Education and Lifelong Learning | Hugh Henry | 2011–2013 |
| Education and Lifelong Learning | Kezia Dugdale | 2013–2014 |
| Health and Wellbeing | Jackie Baillie | 2011–2013 |
| Health and Wellbeing | Neil Findlay | 2013–2014 |
| Culture, External Affairs and the Commonwealth Games | Patricia Ferguson | 2011–2014 |
| Justice | Graeme Pearson | 2011–2013 |
| Justice | Lewis Macdonald | 2013–2014 |
| Infrastructure and Capital Investment | Richard Baker | 2011–2013 |
| Infrastructure and Capital Investment | James Kelly | 2013–2014 |
| Local Government and Planning | Sarah Boyack | 2011–2014 |
| Rural Affairs and Environment | Claire Baker | 2011–2014 |
| Constitution | Drew Smith | 2013–2014 |
| Social Justice, Equalities and Welfare | Jackie Baillie | 2013–2014 |
| Parliamentary Business Manager | Paul Martin | 2011–2014 |
| Chief Whip | James Kelly | 2011–2013 |
| Chief Whip | Lewis Macdonald | 2013–2014 |
| Also attending Shadow Cabinet meetings |||
| Portfolio | Officeholder | Term |
| Youth Employment | Kezia Dugdale | 2011–2013 |
| Youth Employment | Jenny Marra | 2013–2014 |
| Deputy Finance | Jenny Marra | 2013–2014 |
| Parliamentary Private Secretary to Johann Lamont | Siobhan McMahon | 2011–2014 |
Murphy Shadow Cabinet :
| Portfolio | Officeholder | Term |
| Leader | Jim Murphy | 2014–2015 |
| Deputy Leader | Kezia Dugdale | 2014–2015 |
| Finance, Constitution and Economy | Jackie Baillie | 2014–2015 |
| Infrastructure, Investment and Cities | Mary Fee | 2014–2015 |
| Fair Work, Skills and Training | Neil Findlay | 2014–2015 |
| Education and Lifelong Learning | Iain Gray | 2014–2015 |
| Health, Wellbeing and Sport | Jenny Marra | 2014–2015 |
| Social Justice, Communities and Pensioners' Rights | Ken Macintosh | 2014–2015 |
| Justice | Hugh Henry | 2014–2015 |
| Rural Affairs, Food and Environment | Sarah Boyack | 2014–2015 |
| Culture, Europe and External Affairs | Claire Baker | 2014–2015 |
| Enterprise | Graeme Pearson | 2014–2015 |
| Chief Whip | Neil Bibby | 2014–2015 |
| Parliamentary Business Manager | James Kelly | 2014–2015 |
First Dugdale Shadow Cabinet :
| Portfolio | Officeholder | Term |
| Leader | Kezia Dugdale | 2015–2016 |
| Deputy Leader | Alex Rowley | 2015–2016 |
| Equality | Jenny Marra | 2015–2016 |
| Opportunity | Iain Gray | 2015–2016 |
| Justice | Graeme Pearson | 2015–2016 |
| Public Services and Wealth Creation | Jackie Baillie | 2015–2016 |
| Community | Ken Macintosh | 2015–2016 |
| Environmental Justice | Sarah Boyack | 2015–2016 |
| Democracy | Claire Baker | 2015–2016 |
| Reform | Mary Fee | 2015–2016 |
| Parliamentary Business Manager | James Kelly | 2015–2016 |
| Chief Whip | Neil Bibby | 2015–2016 |
Second Dugdale Shadow Cabinet :
| Portfolio | Officeholder | Term |
| Leader | Kezia Dugdale | 2016–2017 |
| Deputy Leader | Alex Rowley | 2016–2017 |
| Economy, Jobs and Fair Work | Jackie Baillie | 2016–2017 |
| Finance | Kezia Dugdale | 2016–2017 |
| Community, Social Security and Equalities | Alex Rowley | 2016–2017 |
| Education, Skills and Science | Iain Gray | 2016–2017 |
| Justice | Claire Baker | 2016–2017 |
| Health and Sport | Anas Sarwar | 2016–2017 |
| Culture, Sport, Tourism and External Affairs | Lewis Macdonald | 2016–2017 |
| Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform | Claudia Beamish | 2016–2017 |
| Rural Economy and Connectivity | Rhoda Grant | 2016–2017 |
| Parliamentary Business Manager | James Kelly | 2016–2017 |
Leonard Shadow Cabinet :
| Portfolio | Officeholder | Term |
| Leader | Richard Leonard | 2017–2021 |
| Deputy Leader | Lesley Laird | 2017–2019 |
| Deputy Leader | Jackie Baillie | 2020–2021 |
| Economy, Jobs and Fair Work | Jackie Baillie | 2017–2018 |
| Economy, Jobs and Fair Work | Richard Leonard | 2018–2021 |
| Finance | James Kelly | 2017–2019 |
| Finance | Rhoda Grant | 2019–2020 |
| Finance | Jackie Baillie | 2020–2021 |
| Justice | Daniel Johnson | 2017–2019 |
| Justice | James Kelly | 2019–2020 |
| Justice | Rhoda Grant | 2020–2021 |
| Constitution | Neil Findlay | 2017–2019 |
| Constitution | Alex Rowley | 2019–2020 |
| Constitution | Anas Sarwar | 2020–2021 |
| Education, Skills and Science | Iain Gray | 2017–2021 |
| Health and Sport | Anas Sarwar | 2017–2018 |
| Health and Sport | Monica Lennon | 2018–2021 |
| Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform | Claudia Beamish | 2017–2021 |
| Poverty | Elaine Smith | 2017–2019 |
| Poverty | David Stewart | 2019–2020 |
| Poverty | Rhoda Grant | 2020 |
| Poverty | Elaine Smith | 2020–2021 |
| Culture, Tourism and External Affairs | Claire Baker | 2017–2021 |
| Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity | Colin Smyth | 2017–2021 |
| Communities and Equalities | Monica Lennon | 2017–2018 |
| Communities and Equalities | Alex Rowley | 2018–2019 |
| Communities and Equalities | Pauline McNeill | 2019–2021 |
| Local Government | Sarah Boyack | 2019–2021 |
| Campaigns and Party Engagement | Neil Findlay | 2017–2019 |
| Campaigns and Party Engagement | Joe Cullinane | 2019–2021 |
| Deputy Economy | Alex Rowley | 2020–2021 |
| Parliamentary Business Manager | Rhoda Grant | 2017–2018 |
| Parliamentary Business Manager | Neil Findlay | 2018–2019 |
| Parliamentary Business Manager | Elaine Smith | 2019–2021 |
Sarwar Campaign Cabinet - 2021 Scottish Election :
| Portfolio | Officeholder | Term |
| Leader | Anas Sarwar | 2021–present |
| Deputy Leader | Jackie Baillie | 2021–present |
| Health, Social Care and Equalities | Jackie Baillie | 2021–present |
| Economy, Jobs and Fair Work | Monica Lennon | 2021–present |
| Finance | Daniel Johnson | 2021–present |
| Education and Skills | Michael Marra | 2021–present |
| Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform | Sarah Boyack | 2021–present |
| Justice | Neil Bibby | 2021–present |
| Communities, Housing and Local Government | Pauline McNeill | 2021–present |
| Constitution, Europe and External Affairs | Colin Smyth | 2021–present |
| Social Security | Pam Duncan-Glancy | 2021–present |
| Culture | Claire Baker | 2021–present |
| Rural Economy and Tourism | Rhoda Grant | 2021–present |
| Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity | Alex Rowley | 2021–present |
| Parliamentary Business Manager | James Kelly | 2021–present |
| Community Safety and Drugs Policy | James Kelly | 2021–present |
| Also attending Shadow Cabinet |||
| Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland | Ian Murray | 2021–present |
| Chair of the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Party | Mark Griffin | 2021–present |
| Business, Fair Work and Skills | Mark Griffin | 2021–present |

## Scottish Greens Spokespersons

Harvie–Slater Spokespersons :
| Portfolio | Officeholder | Term |
| Co-Leader | Patrick Harvie | 2008–present |
| Finance and Constitutional Affairs Spokesperson | Patrick Harvie | 2024-present |
| Co-Leader | Lorna Slater | 2019–present |
| Economic Recovery and Green Industrial Strategy Spokesperson | Lorna Slater | 2024-present |
| Health and Social Care Spokesperson | Gillian Mackay | 2021–present |
| Education, Culture and External Affairs Spokesperson | Ross Greer | 2021–present |
| Communities, Land Reform, Housing and Rural Affairs Spokesperson | Ariane Burgess | 2021–present |
| Environment, Climate, Transport and Environment Spokesperson | Mark Ruskell | 2021–present |
| Justice, Equality and Human Rights | Maggie Chapman | 2021–present |

## Liberal Democrat Spokespersons

Cole-Hamilton Spokespersons :
| Portfolio | Officeholder | Term |
| Leader | Alex Cole-Hamilton | 2021–present |
| Health and Social Care, Drugs Emergency, Constitution and External Affairs Spokesperson | Alex Cole-Hamilton | 2021–present |
| Deputy Leader | Wendy Chamberlain | 2021–present |
| Rural Affairs & Connectivity Spokesperson | Beatrice Wishart | 2021–present |
| Justice and the Climate Emergency Spokesperson | Liam McArthur | 2021–present |
| Education, the Economy & Communities Spokesperson | Willie Rennie | 2021–present |
| Human Rights & Older People Spokesperson | Aisha Mir | 2021–present |
| Veterans, Science, Innovation & Emerging Tech Spokesperson | Bruce Wilson | 2021–present |
| Social Security Spokesperson | Caron Lindsay | 2021-present |
| Agriculture, Remote & Rural Communities Spokesperson | Claire McLaren | 2022–present |
| Young People Spokesperson | Jack Norquoy | 2021–present |
| Transport Spokesperson | Jill Reilly | 2021–present |
| Finance Spokesperson | John Ferry | 2021–present |
| Business, Trade & Investment Spokesperson | Molly Nolan | 2021–present |
| Housing & Homelessness Spokesperson | Paul McGarry | 2021–present |
| Local Government Spokesperson | Peter Barrett | 2021–present |
| Net Zero Spokesperson | Sanne Dijkstra-Downie | 2021–present |
| Mental Health Spokesperson | Sally Pattle | 2022-present |
| Culture and Sport Spokesperson | Neil Alexander | 2023-present |
| Transport Spokesperson | Daniel O'Malley | 2023-present |