The new Scottish Tory leader has unveiled his top team - with no frontbench role for his predecessor Douglas Ross.

Former journalist Russell Findlay beat rivals Murdo Fraser and Meghan Gallacher in the race to succeed Mr Ross.

He had previously announced that Rachael Hamilton would be his deputy and today named the rest of his shadow Cabinet.

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton, (Image: Colin Mearns) Close ally Craig Hoy will take over the crucial finance role with Fraser supporter Liz Smith moved from finance to social security. Mr Hoy will remain as party chairman for the interim until a successor is appointed.

In a move to strengthen party unity and heal divisions heightened during the leadership race, Mr Findlay kept his two rivals on his frontbench.

Mr Fraser will keep his position covering the business brief, while Ms Gallacher has been handed the shadow housing portfolio.

Miles Briggs will move to education, while Sandesh Gulhane will continue in role of health spokesman.

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Douglas Lumsden will continue as energy spokesman, while Sue Webber will cover transport.

Liam Kerr will take over Mr Findlay's former position as justice spokesman, having previously held the role from 2017 to 2021; while Tim Eagle will cover rural affairs.

Alexander Burnett will continue as chief whip.

Also attending shadow cabinet meetings: deputy chair of party and shadow minister for investment and employment – Pam Gosal and deputy chief whip and shadow minister for victims and community safety – Sharon Dowey.

Mr Findlay also made a number of shadow ministerial appointments to support his shadow cabinet.

They are:

  • Shadow minister for public health, social care, mental wellbeing and sport – Brian Whittle
  • Shadow minister for drugs, alcohol and women’s health – Annie Wells
  • Shadow minister for local government and public finance – Alexander Stewart
  • Shadow minister for children and young people – Roz McCall
  • Shadow minister for equalities – Tess White
  • Shadow minister for social justice – Jeremy Balfour
  • Shadow minister for agriculture, connectivity and islands – Jamie Halcro Johnston
  • Shadow minister for veterans – Edward Mountain

Mr Findlay said: “Our new shadow cabinet will work hard to earn the trust of the public by telling it straight and only making promises we can keep. We are ready to stand up for everyone who feels disillusioned with the state of politics and the fringe obsessions of the Scottish Parliament.

“Moving forward, the Scottish Conservatives will reconnect with common-sense values and put forward a bold vision for the future of our country that champions opportunity, aspiration and decency.

“We will present positive new policies to fire up economic growth, create opportunities for workers and businesses, reward aspiration with lower taxes, improve school standards and increase home ownership.

“The SNP and Labour waste too much time on divisive policies instead of the bread-and-butter issues which affect people’s lives.

“We will do things differently and represent everyone who just wants politicians to show some common sense, for a change.”