Jackie Baillie reappointed to Scottish Labour finance post

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie is back as the party’s finance spokeswoman – despite being previously ousted from the job by Richard Leonard.

The Scottish Labour leader sacked Baillie from the key position in October 2018.

But after she won the party’s deputy leadership contest, he announced she was being given the job back, as well as being made responsible for the party’s 2021 Holyrood campaign.

Delighted to be appointed as the Scottish Labour Finance spokesperson, and look forward to helping to rebuild the economy and public services post covid19. And responsibility as Deputy Leader for political and strategic oversight of @scottishlabour organisation and campaigns.
— Jackie Baillie (@jackiebmsp) April 28, 2020

The Dumbarton MSP will be Labour’s campaign coordinator for the Scottish Parliament elections, with Leonard saying: “Having won her constituency at every election since 1999, there is no-one better placed to ensure we are on a firm footing to win back constituency seats in the Scottish Parliament.”

He said he was “glad” Baillie had agreed to return to the finance brief at Holyrood, adding: “She brings great experience and an eye for detail, and I am looking forward to working with her to develop our proposals for stimulating Scotland’s economy and investing in public services after Covid-19.”

Baillie said: “I look forward to serving as Scottish Labour’s finance spokesperson and helping to rebuild our economy and public services after the coronavirus pandemic.

“I have an equally challenging but important role in rebuilding the Scottish Labour Party, working with staff and all members across the labour and trade union movement, so that we become a winning electoral force again.”

The appointment was part of a mini-reshuffle within the Labour front bench, with Highlands and Islands MSP David Stewart leaving his position as spokesman for the eradication of poverty and inequality.

This position will be filled by Rhoda Grant, who had been serving as Labour’s finance spokeswoman at Holyrood.

Leonard said: “I would like to thank Dave for his service, and I look forward to working with him in the future.

“I would also like to thank Rhoda for her work in the finance brief, especially in responding to the recent budget and playing a major role in securing free bus travel for under-19s. I know she will build on that work in her new portfolio.”