It has been quite a start to my time as an MSP for the Highlands and Islands with us Scottish Conservatives forming the main opposition in Holyrood and politics across the country moving so rapidly. I am therefore pleased to have this chance to step back and share my thoughts so far.
I was thrilled to be elected as an MSP for the Highlands and Islands alongside Edward Mountain and Douglas Ross. In the happy situation that we have a team of three Scottish Conservative MSPs in the region we have decided to divide informally the areas in which we will focus and I have the particular honour of covering Argyll & Bute. I will be in the area frequently and only recently spent the day in Dunoon and visited Cowal Community Hospital.
I was also honoured to be appointed by Ruth as our Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport. It is vital that the SNP government is held to account for its handling of health in Scotland and I have no doubt that my position in the Shadow Cabinet will be tough yet rewarding. I have already challenged the SNP on their failure to prepare for long-term questions of staffing our health service and making sure it is fit for purpose not only for next year, but for the next 25 years.
Nationwide, I am sure you are all aware of the extraordinary events that have included our vote to leave the European Union and the arrival of a new Prime Minister. I will first say that we must accept that the result of the referendum was to leave the EU and that it was a close affair. Brexit must be delivered and the views of both sides must be listened to here in Scotland and throughout the UK.
Finally, it is welcome that we have managed to complete a leadership contest that will enable Theresa May to provide the leadership and certainty our country needs. I offer her my full support and trust that as Prime Minister she will deliver a prosperous and united future for the UK.