The former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, and MSP for Edinburgh Central in the last parliament, Ruth Davidson, took her seat in the House of Lords on Tuesday.
Her title is Baroness Davidson of Lundin Links, the village in Fife where she grew up from the age of five and where her parents still live.
She was introduced in the Upper Chamber by Mark McInnes, Director of the Scottish Conservatives and Richard Keen, former Chairman of the Scottish Conservatives and former Advocate General.
Ruth served as an MSP from 2011 to 2021. She stood down as leader of the Scottish Conservatives in August 2019 and her appointment to the Lords was announced in July 2020. She said that she would not take her seat until after completing her term of office as an MSP at Holyrood which ended in May 2021.
Speaking ahead of her introduction, Ruth Davidson said: “The job in the House of Lords is to scrutinise and amend legislation – basically, to make sure all UK-wide laws are fit for purpose.
“This is important work and it’s vital that it is undertaken by a mix of people from all backgrounds and all parts of the country. As a teenage Modern Studies pupil, learning about politics at Buckhaven High School, I didn’t believe that someone like me could ever have the chance to serve in not one, but two parliaments. I hope to take all of the experience I’ve gained over the last decade in Holyrood and put it to good use in my new role.
“I am keen to make a contribution in areas of importa
nce to me such as gambling reform, end of life choices and the constitution, and pledge to work with members from all parties and none in reforming the House of Lords into a democratic chamber.”
You can watch the ceremonial introduction here:
https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/89a71ad8-078b-492a-86b8-7c382efefe0c?in=12:07:20&out=12:11:20
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
