Oliver Mundell stands down as Scottish Conservatives shadow education secretary for 'personal reasons'

Oliver Mundell has stepped down from the Scottish Conservative shadow cabinet for “personal reasons”.

The MSP for Dumfriesshire will continue in his role, but will no longer serve as the party’s shadow education secretary, citing a “reassessment of priorities”.

The 32-year-old, son of Tory MP David Mundell, assumed the position in 2021 having previously served as rural economy and tourism spokesperson.

He said he would remain in the party on a purely constituency-focused basis.

In a statement, Mundell said: “It has been a privilege to serve in the Shadow Cabinet and to work closely with Douglas [Ross] who continues to have my full support.

“However, as we move forward from the pandemic, like many people I have had the chance to reassess my priorities and have taken the decision to step back from the education spokesperson role.

“I got into politics to represent my constituents and I am keen to refocus my time and energy on that part of the job. This is especially the case with in-person events and engagements now back to normal. I also want to find a better balance when it comes to making time for my young family.

“As the Parliament returns from recess this feels like the best time to hand over to someone new.”

Leader Douglas Ross said a successor to Mundell would be appointed in “due course”

He added: “I would like to thank Oliver for his tireless work in holding the SNP Government to account over their failures in education since serving as shadow education secretary after the election last year.

“He has also set out bold and ambitious proposals as to how the Scottish Conservatives would reform our education system and restore its world-leading reputation.

“I fully understand and respect his reasons for wishing to take this decision and know that he will continue to be a strong voice in Parliament for his constituents in Dumfriesshire, as he has been since 2016.”