Shirley-Anne Somerville Scottish National Party (SNP)
Standing in Dunfermline · Mid Scotland and Fife region
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice since 2023 and MSP for Dunfermline since 2016. A long-standing SNP member who joined the party at 16, Somerville previously served as Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (2021-2023) and Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People (2018-2021). She worked in housing policy and public affairs before entering Parliament.
Policy Positions
Scotland's Future
Support independence. An SNP majority at this election is framed as a mandate for a referendum. Independence cited as essential to Scotland's future prosperity.
NHS & Health
Significant NHS investment. Expand GP walk-in clinics, shorten waiting times, deliver more operations and community diagnostics. NHS described as Scotland's most precious public service.
Housing
Build 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 (70% social rent), create a new housing agency, retain the rent control framework, and provide deposit support of up to £10,000 for first-time buyers.
Climate & Transport
Continue the transition to net zero by 2045 with a focus on Scotland's renewable energy wealth. Interim 2030 climate targets were dropped in 2024; emphasis is on energy costs and a just transition.
Tax & Public Spending
Keep Scotland's progressive income tax, the fairest and most progressive in the UK. Introduce a mansion tax on properties valued above £1m from 2028.
Economy & Jobs
Grow the economy while protecting public services. Unlock £20 billion of pension fund investment, back a just transition, and use Scotland's renewable energy wealth to cut costs for households and businesses.
Education & Childcare
A transformational national expansion of childcare from 9 months to the end of primary school, 52 weeks a year. Protect free university tuition and free school lunches.
Social Issues
Uphold and protect the human rights of trans people within devolved powers. Scotland is the first country in the world to incorporate LGBTQI+ education in schools. Strong commitment to equality across all groups.
Track Record
› Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice since 2023
› Former Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (2021-2023)
› Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People (2018-2021)
› Previously worked at the Chartered Institute of Housing and Royal College of Nursing
› MSP for Dunfermline since 2016; previously a Lothians regional MSP from 2007 to 2011