Andrew Bowie MP has been named as the new Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland by Kemi Badenoch.

The newly-appointed leader of the Conservative Party has named the West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP in the role, replacing John Lamont in the role.

Mr Bowie will also keep his role as Shadow Minister of State for Energy and Net Zero alongside his new position.

The 37-year-old has been an MP since 2017 and has previously been a vice-chairman of the party.

Speaking about his appointment, he said: “Honoured to have been appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland.

“And also very excited to be carrying on as Shadow Minister for Energy at such a pivotal moment for our energy security and future of our energy industry.

READ MORE

“Now, time to get to work.”

The Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay welcomed the news, describing Mr Bowie's new position on the shadow cabinet as a "great appointment".

Mr Findlay posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Very much look forward to working closely with our new Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, the political powerhouse Andrew Bowie."

John Lamont, the former Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, said he was "disappointed" not to be continuing in "a job that I loved". 

Mr Lamont added on X: "I wish my successor well.

"I will continue to work from the backbenches standing up for the Scottish Borders & to hold both the Labour & SNP governments to account." 

The change comes after Meghan Gallacher, who ran against Russell Findlay in the Scottish Conservatives leadership, formally complained about Mr Lamont, with the MSP understood to be accusing him of threatening her career.

Mr Lamont, who backed Mr Findlay, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

Ms Badenoch has named three of her leadership contest rivals in her shadow cabinet, with James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat the two not to be involved.

Robert Jenrick has been named as Shadow Secretary for Justice, with Mel Stride in as Shadow Chancellor and Priti Patel becomes Shadow Secretary for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.