GREENOCKIAN Lesley Laird has been appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

The former deputy leader of Fife Council was elected Labour MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath at the general election.

She previously worked in the electronic, semiconductor and financial service industries in a variety of senior human resources roles.

Her late father was John Langan of Greenock, a top union official who rose to national fame when he led delegations to meet the then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in Downing Street, and chaired the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) during 1983-84.

Mr Langan passed away last December in Inverclyde Royal Hospital at the age of 91.

Mrs Laird was born and educated in Greenock, and went on to study at James Watt College, Caledonian University and Napier University.

She is married and has a son.

Speaking about her new role, she said: “My priorities are the things that people told me are important to them in the general election campaign — jobs, housing and public services.

“I look forward to working closely with Jeremy and Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale as Labour unites to take on the Tories.

“I will be holding Scottish Secretary David Mundell to account for the actions of his government, which is causing misery right across Scotland.”

Labour leader Mr Corbyn says Mrs Laird will play a major role.

He said: “She brings a wealth of knowledge and practical real life experience to the House of Commons, and will work closely with Kez Dugdale and I as we present a positive Labour vision for Scotland’s future.”

Ms Dugdale added: “I know Lesley will do a fantastic job of holding this miserable Tory government to account.”