Our Members of the Scottish Parliament
Foysol Choudhury MBE MSP
MSP for Lothian Region
I have been an active member of the community for over 30 years. It was the honour of my life to be elected to serve the people of the Lothian Region in May 2021.
It has been a pleasure to meet people and organisations from across Scotland who work tirelessly to better society, and my frustration to learn that they do not always have the support they need.
During my time with Scottish Parliament I want to see that the Scottish Government works for the people and not against them. I strongly believe in taking positive steps to eliminate inequality and all forms of discrimination and have been advocating for equality, justice and human rights most of my adult life. These principles inform my work as your MSP. I invite you to join me in making them a reality.”
Daniel Johnson MSP
MSP for Edinburgh Southern
Representing the area where I live with my wife and children and where I grew up, means I feel honoured to represent Edinburgh Southern in the Scottish Parliament. South Edinburgh is home to diverse and varied people and communities in the heart of this city. Since elected in 2016, I have strived to represent the views and needs of my community in parliament and to make a difference in our part of Edinburgh.
I am often asked why I got involved in politics. Put simply, I like to fix things. I’m the sort of person who likes to get their tools out and put things right there and then. And my politics is a bit the same. I see things not working or people not having the same opportunities or the things they need to live their lives and I want to do what I can to put that right.
My interests in Parliament have followed along these lines – I am interested in what we need to do to give people opportunity and make our economy and our society better. I think innovation and technology are hugely important with the changes that automation and digitisation are bringing. I also take a close interest in Neuro Developmental Disorders including ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia and associated Education and Health Policy because these are major barriers to people succeeding in Education and life.
I am current Deputy Convenor of the Education Committee and have previously been a member of the Justice Committee. I am also the Scottish Labour spokesperson for Finance and the Economy. I have recently passed a members bill through parliament to provide greater protection to retail workers from abuse and violence at work.
Prior to my election in 2016, I ran my family’s business of shops in Edinburgh. I started my career working in consulting, specialising in the financial services sector.
Sarah Boyack MSP
MSP for Lothian Region
Being elected to the very first Scottish Parliament in 1999 was the honour of my life. In 1999, I was a member of the very first Scottish Cabinet and was able to bring about changes that are still in place today such as Free Bus Travel for the Over 60’s and Scotland’s first National Parks. In 2016, I was not returned to Parliament and for three years worked in academia and the housing sector. In 2019, I was privileged to return to Parliament. During my time out of Parliament I had gained a fresh insight into the challenges facing families and organisations across the Lothians, the impact of Edinburgh’s housing crisis and had unfinished business to secure a fair, equal and sustainable Scotland.
As Scottish Labour’s Spokesperson on Constitution, External Affairs and Culture I want to see the Scottish Parliament use the powers it has to the max to benefit the people of Edinburgh and Scotland. My experience in the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government has meant I have seen how we can use those powers to help those that need it most. That’s more important than ever given the cost of living crisis.
I am also passionate about creating a sustainable future. I have long advocated and campaigned for a just transition to tackle the climate emergency that will have far reaching consequences for both people and planet.
I believe that we can find the solutions to these issues together, and I will continue to promote and work with those across Edinburgh and Scotland to make that a reality.