The Shadow Cabinet of Russell Findlay was formed on 8 October 2024, after the election of Russell Findlay as Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party on 27 September 2024. While there is no Official Opposition in Holyrood, Findlay, as leader of the largest party not in government, acted as the Leader of the Opposition until May 2026.
Background and formation
Findlay won the 2024 Scottish Conservatives leadership election, succeeding Douglas Ross who stood down after the 2024 general election.
Appointments to the Shadow Cabinet and frontbench were reported as being expected to be made after the Conservative party conference. Rachael Hamilton was appointed the Deputy Leader on 28 September. Findlay appointed his Shadow Cabinet on 8 October. It was confirmed that Craig Hoy would continue as the party chair for an interim period.
Shadow Cabinet (2026–present) Second Findlay Shadow CabinetShadow MinisterPortfolioTermShadow Cabinet SecretariesRussell FindlayLeader of the Scottish Conservatives2024–presentRachael HamiltonDeputy Leader Business and Tourism2024–present 2026–presentCraig HoyFinance and Social Security2024–presentMiles BriggsHealth and Care2026–presentMurdo FraserPublic Service Reform and Culture2026–presentLiam KerrEnergy2026–presentMeghan GallacherEducation and Equalities2026–presentTim EagleHousing and Transport2026–presentStephen KerrJustice2026–presentFinlay CarsonRural Affairs and Environment2026–presentAlexander BurnettLocal Government2026–present
Shadow Cabinet (2024–2026) Findlay Shadow CabinetShadow MinisterPortfolioTermShadow Cabinet SecretariesRussell FindlayLeader of the Scottish Conservatives2024–presentRachael HamiltonDeputy Leader2024–presentCraig HoyFinance and Local Government2024–presentMurdo FraserBusiness, Economy, Tourism and Culture2022–presentSandesh GulhaneHealth and Social Care2021–presentMiles BriggsEducation and Skills2024–presentDouglas LumsdenNet Zero and Energy2022–presentLiam KerrJustice2024–presentLiz SmithSocial Security2024–presentMeghan GallacherHousing2024–presentSue WebberTransport2024–presentTim EagleRural Affairs, Land Reform and Fishing2024–presentAlexander BurnettChief Whip2024–present
Junior shadow ministers Shadow junior ministersPositionShadow ministerDeputy chair of the Scottish Conservatives Shadow Minister for Employment and InvestmentPam Gosal Deputy chief whip Shadow Minister for Victims and Community SafetySharon Dowey Shadow Minister for Public Health, Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and SportBrian Whittle Shadow Minister for Drugs, Alcohol and Women's HealthAnnie Wells Shadow Minister for Local Government and Public FinanceAlexander Stewart Shadow Minister for Children and Young PeopleRoz McCall Shadow Minister for EqualitiesTess White Shadow Minister for Social JusticeJeremy Balfour Minister for Public Health and Women's HealthJenni Minto Minister for Agriculture, Connectivity and IslandsJamie Halcro Johnston Shadow Minister for VeteransEdward Mountain
References