Salmond unveils new look team

Thursday, 19 May 2005 12:00 AM

SNP leader Alex Salmond has allocated portfolios to his new team of six Westminster MPs, which will fight Scotland's corner "at every opportunity".

MP for Moray Angus Robertson becomes Mr Salmond's deputy at Westminster as well as speaking on defence, foreign affairs, Europe and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Perth and North Perthshire MP Peter Wishart takes on the role of group whip, along with the constitutional affairs, culture, sport and overseas aid portfolios.

"Angus saw his majority increase threefold in the election and he will be leading the SNP's charge against the government's agenda of new nuclear missiles for the Clyde," said Mr Salmond.

"Over these next few months Angus and Pete Wishart, who takes on responsibility for international aid issues, will be working together to ensure real progress on overseas aid and make sure Scotland's voice is heard when world leaders gather in Gleneagles."

Mike Weir, MP for Angus, will continue to be responsible for work and pensions, energy, and trade & industry, while new SNP MP for Dundee East, Stewart Hosie, assumes the treasury, women and home affairs portfolios.

The SNP's other new MP, Angus MacNeil, has been put forward to be the party's representative on the Scottish Affairs Select Committee, and will shadow Alistair Darling on Transport. He will also take on the environment, food & rural affairs portfolio along with fishing and tourism.

"The SNP's two new members, Stewart Hosie and Angus MacNeil, will go head to head with Labour's senior Scottish ministers. Their energy and enthusiasm will keep the Chancellor and Scottish Secretary on their toes," Mr Salmond said.

He added that Mike Weir would "continue his excellent work developing and promoting the SNP's pension proposals and will be making the case for an end to means testing for a decent pension."

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