I have represented the Central Scotland region since May 2016 and I have two Conservative colleagues here in Alison Harris and Margaret Mitchell.

I was a councillor for East Kilbride West from 2007 until 2017. In the election for my second term I topped the poll, recording one of the biggest vote share increases of any Conservative in Scotland.

I was a journalist from 1983 until my election to the Scottish Parliament, finishing my career in newspapers at the Scottish Sun.

Within Parliament I am the Conservative Party Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Communities and Social Security and I sit on the Local Government and Communities Committee.  I am Deputy Convenor of the cross party group on Cycling, Walking and Buses, Deputy Convenor of the cross party groups on Life Sciences and Architecture and the Built Environment as well as a member of the Beer & Pubs and Housing cross party groups.  

I was born in Aberdeen and have lived in East Kilbride for over 20 years with my wife and our two daughters - although the girls have spread their wings now. 

Outside of politics I enjoy watching football, I enjoy cycling and hill walking when I get the chance – I am also the species champion for the billberry bumblebee – a species found in the Scottish hills - and the holly. 

I am a keen jazz fan. I have been lucky to see some of the greats, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Art Blakey, Horace Silver etc.