New MSP uses speech to praise predecessor

New MSP Davy Russell thanked his constituents and paid tribute to his predecessor as he made his maiden speech at the Scottish Parliament.

- JUDITH TONNER

The Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse representative made his first contribution from the Holyrood floor since his by-election win last month in an education debate, in which he praised his schooldays at Quarter Primary and Hamilton Grammar.

He told constituents: "I thank you for putting your trust in me, and I will work every day to earn it. My promise to you is simple - I will be your voice in the chamber, and I will never stop fighting for a better, fairer and more hopeful future for us all."

Mr Russell registered a surprise victory in the hotly-contested Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse poll, gaining a majority of 602 to regain the seat for Labour for the first time in 14 years; and told fellow MSPs: "Being elected is one of the biggest honours of my life."

The new MSP was invited to address parliament for the first time by deputy presiding officer Liam McArthur, and began his maiden speech by honouring the late Christina McKelvie, the popular constituency member and Scottish Government minister who died of breast cancer in March, aged just 57.

He drew applause after saying: "Regardless of where I went or who I spoke to [during the election campaign], I heard genuine warmth and affection for Christina. She was a passionate MSP and a friend to many across the chamber.

She served my community with distinction and will always be fondly remembered."