Former Labour transport minister appointed government adviser

Former Labour MP Tom Harris has been appointed as a non-executive director within the UK government’s Scotland Office and the Advocate General for Scotland.

Mr Harris served as the Member of Parliament for Glasgow South from 2001 to 2015. He left the Scottish Labour party in August 2018 due to dissatisfaction with Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.

He served as the parliamentary under-secretary of state for transport under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

In 2011 he ran for the leadership of Scottish Labour.

In a statement yesterday he said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed to this role and I’m looking forward to contributing to the effective work of the UK Government in Scotland.

“This is an exciting time to be involved in advising and helping ministers deliver for the whole country.”

Alister Jack, the secretary of state for Scotland said: “As we emerge from the worst of the pandemic, recovery remains our top priority. I’m very pleased to have Tom on board to further strengthen the UK Government’s capabilities as we build back better for Scotland.”