Scottish Labour politician
Colin Smyth (born November 1972) is a Scottish Labour and Co-operative politician who has been a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the South Scotland region since 2016 . A member of Scottish Labour , he served as its general secretary from 2008 to 2012.
Early life and career
Smyth was born in 1972.[ 1] He was raised in Dumfries , where he attended Maxwelltown High School . Prior to entering politics, he worked as a modern studies teacher.[ 2]
Political career
Official parliamentary portrait, 2016
Smyth became a Labour party organiser in 2003.[ 3] In 2008, he was appointed general secretary of the Scottish Labour Party, succeeding Lesley Quinn.[ 4] In September 2012, Scottish Labour announced that Smyth would step down from the position at the party's conference in the following month.
In 2007 , Smyth was elected to Dumfries and Galloway Council , representing the Nith Ward. He was re-elected to this position in 2012 .[ 5] In October 2013, a Labour/SNP coalition was formed on Dumfries and Galloway Council[ 6] when Smyth was appointed Chair of the Planning, Housing and Environment Committee.
In 2016, Smyth was elected to the Scottish Parliament , as an additional member representing the South Scotland region.[ 7] He served as Scottish Labour Spokesperson for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity under Richard Leonard from 2017 to 2021.[ 8]
Smyth nominated Anas Sarwar in the 2021 Scottish Labour leadership election .[ 9] After the leadership election, Sarwar appointed Smyth as Scottish Labour Spokesperson for Constitution, Europe and External Affairs .[ 10]
At the 2021 Scottish Parliament election , Smyth was supported as a Labour Co-operative candidate for the first time.[ 11] He contested the constituency seat of Dumfriesshire , but was returned to the Scottish Parliament as a regional list member for South Scotland again.
Personal life
Smyth is married to Victoria, an English teacher. Together they have two daughters, Hannah and Evie.[ 2] [ 12] He is partly of Northern Irish descent.[ 2]
References
External links
Constituency MSPs
Siobhian Brown (SNP, Ayr )
Elena Whitham (SNP, Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley )
Màiri McAllan (SNP, Clydesdale )
Oliver Mundell (Con, Dumfriesshire )
Paul McLennan (SNP, East Lothian )
Rachael Hamilton (Con, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire )
Finlay Carson (Con, Galloway and West Dumfries )
Willie Coffey (SNP, Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley )
Christine Grahame (SNP, Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale )
Additional members