What I have to offer

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• An experienced and articulate public speaker and debater skilled in oral and written communication. A frequent interviewee on TV and radio and contributed a monthly newspaper column. 

• Effective at scrutinising legislation, proposed amendments to numerous parliamentary bills and influenced government legislation

• One of the most prolific Labour speakers in the Scottish Parliament, researched and composed own speeches on a wide range of topics and conducted own research in all areas of parliamentary activity leading to detailed knowledge across subject areas

• Invited to speak to numerous school and community groups on parliamentary role and organised visits to parliament for constituency, national and international groups increasing public understanding of parliament.

• Held several front bench roles in the Scottish Parliament – Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Shadow Ministerial posts on Economy, Environment, Housing and Transport and Justice. Involved acquiring detailed knowledge of brief, liaising and meeting with stakeholders, policy development, manifesto commitments on environment (2011) and justice (2016).

• Chair of Cross Party Group on Science and Technology, Chair of Cross Party Group on Nuclear Energy, and Vice Convenor of Finance and Justice Committees.

• Worked with the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Royal Society of Chemistry to promote better understanding of science in the Scottish Parliament, invited as speaker on science policy issues on several occasions