POLITICIAN Jackie Baillie says she’ll champion businesses and jobs in Dumbarton and the Vale after regaining her seat on Scottish Labour’s front bench.

The Dumbarton MSP was reappointed shadow cabinet secretary for the economy, jobs and fair work by the party’s new leader Richard Leonard, who wants his shadow cabinet to “take Labour’s message directly to the people of Scotland”.

Ms Baillie told The Reporter: As Scottish Labour’s spokesperson for the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, I will continue to champion local businesses and jobs in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven and Helensburgh.“Scottish Labour wants to build a fairer economy that works for the many, not just the few.

“That means we need to tackle low-paid, insecure work and invest in our children’s futures.

“Only Scottish Labour has a plan for high-skill, high-wage jobs to kickstart our economy and break down the barriers which hold far too many in Scotland back.”

The 14-strong team includes Mr Leonard’s leadership rival Anas Sarwar as health spokesman with the additional brief of sport.

New roles such as Brexit, campaigns and party engagement went to Neil Findlay, and Monica Lennon was appointed to communities, social security and equalities.

There was no place for Mr Leonard’s predecessor Kezia Dugdale – who has just returned to Holyrood after a filming ITV’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in Australia – and former depute leader Alec Rowley.