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 spokesman for Housing and Planning, I sit on the Local Government and Communities Committee and I am also the Convener of the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee.  I am Deputy Convenor of the cross party group on Cycling, Walking and Buses, Deputy Convenor of the cross party group on Life Sciences and 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.