Returning MSP Sarah Boyack has ‘unfinished business’ at Holyrood

Former Labour transport minister Sarah Boyack is to return as an MSP, saying she has “unfinished business” at Holyrood.

Ms Boyack, who failed to be re-elected in the 2016 elections, will take the place on the Lothian list vacated by former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale, who announced on Monday she is quitting as an MSP.

After losing her seat in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Boyack took up the role of head of public affairs at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA).

She has now confirmed she will step down from that post to return to Holyrood following Ms Dugdale’s departure at the end of June.

Ms Boyack returns as an MSP for the Lothian region after she was placed third on the Labour Party list for the area in 2016, behind Neil Findlay and Ms Dagdale, both of whom were elected.

She also contested the Edinburgh Central constituency in the 2016 election but lost out to Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson.

Ms Boyack said: “I’ve had the privilege to have worked with SFHA, its members and stakeholders for the last two years and have seen the impact both of the Scottish Parliament in framing the work they do and their day in, day out support for communities and the affordable, safe and secure homes that they provide for tenants.

“However, there is unfinished business for me.

“In the last three years the case for concerted action on climate change and the need to redouble our efforts to tackle poverty has accelerated.

“In Edinburgh, the affordable, accessible housing people need has become harder and harder to secure.

“And then there’s the uncertainty and division caused by Brexit.”

She added: “These are huge challenges and I’d relish the opportunity to serve in the Scottish Parliament.

“Finally, I’d want to pay tribute to the hard work of Kez and her team in the Lothians.”