The most common question I’ve been asked in the last two weeks is: “Did you expect a call?” People are, of course, referring to a call from Ed Milband, leader of the Labour Party, on whether I would be promoted. A reshuffle is always the worst-kept secret in politics. I certainly didn’t expect a call as I had made it


clear that I was really enjoying being the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. However, Ivan Lewis MP had been moved to International Development so things were a little up in the air. On the Friday evening of the reshuffled, I


went to the St Andrews Labour and Politics Club, my first visit to St Andrews. I had just given a 15- minute introduction and had started taking questions when my phone rang - 8.10pm on a Friday night from a Parliamentary number! Was this a call? I promptly made an apology and darted out of the lecture theatre. I answered to phone to: “Ian, can you hold the


line for a few seconds until I can put Ed on?” “Yes, of course," I answered. Ed Miliband then came on and said very


quickly: “I would like you to go on the front bench as Shadow Business Minister under the new Secretary of State (Chuka Umunna MP). Your business experience will be vital in shaping the next few years.”


I promptly accepted and continued with the


event at St Andrews. Chuka appointed me to Shadow Minister for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs. The role incorporates company law, corporate governance, social enterprise, insolvency, competition and trade policy, co-ordination of European business and oversight of the Shareholder Executive (this looks after the Governments shareholdings in companies such as the banks). It is also a role that is entirely applicable to Scotland and Edinburgh South. The only issue that everyone is talking about


at the moment is the economy. The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills is charged with the growth agenda - this will be my number one focus. There are lots of significant issues that have instantly landed in my in tray: Royal Mail has now been privatised by the


Government and the sale will be attempted next year. The impact on universal delivery and local Post Offices will be significant and I’m determined to ensure that the ill-conceived privatisation of our


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Royal Mail does not result in widespread post office closures and a reduction in postal services in Scotland. There is a real danger that private companies will pick off the most profitable parts and leave the rest to wither. There is also a significant amount of work to be done around employee relations. The Coalition Government is determined to 'cut red tape for business'. Whilst I agree with these sentiments to assist businesses in Edinburgh we must not allow this exercise to develop into an attack on the Equalities Act, maternity and paternity rights or any of the rights for workers that have been hard fought over for generations. The consumer protection landscape is about


to be fundamentally changed with the demise of Consumer Focus and Citizens Advice Bureaux’s taking on extra responsibilities. As an example, everyone is concerned about energy prices. Many constituents raise it with me day after day. We must get on top of this issue and the consumer affairs and protection part of the portfolio will be an opportunity to put pressure on the Government to put the needs of consumers before the needs of the 'big six' energy companies. I’m also looking at ways in which corporate


governance and reporting can be adapted to best promote Ed Miliband's pro-business idea to create a more responsible set of business ethics for the future.


I want to look at developing the Social


Enterprises model to see if there are opportunities in the energy and environmental sectors. It is also a good mechanism for developing the new, good business ideas and ethics. So ten days have flown by and my diary has


jammed up. My constituents remain my top priority and having one of the busiest constituency offices in the country means my new role will help with some of their issues. Am I glad I took the call? I wouldn’t change it


for the world.


Due to my Front Bench role, I am no longer a member of the Business and Envrionment Select Committees. I will use these pages to keep constiteunts updated on my Shadow Ministerial work


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