My Edinburgh Story

I am often asked why I got involved in politics. Quite simply, I like to fix things. I’m the sort of person who likes to get out their tools and put matters to rights there and then. My politics is the same – if I see things not working or people not having the opportunities they need, I will do all I can to put that right.

I feel honoured to represent Edinburgh Southern in the Scottish Parliament. It’s where I grew up and where I live with my wife and children. I started my career working in consulting, specialising in the financial services sector. I then ran several local businesses in Edinburgh – the shops Paper Tiger and Studio One. Since my election in 2016, I have striven to represent the diverse views and needs of my community in parliament and to make a difference in our part of Edinburgh.

My interests in Parliament have developed from these core principles – I am interested in what we need to do to give people opportunities, and improve our economy and our society. With the changes that automation and digitisation are bringing, I believe innovation and technology are hugely important. I also take a close interest in neuro-developmental disorders including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, along with the associated Education and Health Policy, as these are major barriers to people succeeding in education and life.

It’s not everyday you pass a law. But helping run my family’s small businesses gave me direct experience of being a front-line retail worker. This lead me to campaign for and pass through parliament a members bill to protect workers from violence and abuse at work. It is a tragedy that up until now, employees have had no defence from harassment and intimidation, for example while enforcing the law on age-restricted items.

I am currently Deputy Convenor of the Finance and Public Administration Committee and a member of the Justice Committee. I am also the Scottish Labour Spokesperson for Finance and the Economy, helping build Scottish Labour’s vision for a growing economy and a fairer society.

If I can ever be of any assistance to you on any matter – big or small – please do not hesitate to get in touch.