Angus Robertson is the SNP Leader in Westminster. He leads the largest ever group of SNP MPs at Westminster, the UK’s third largest political party at Westminster.
He has represented Moray Constituency in the North East of Scotland since his election in June 2001. Prior to that he was the European and International Affairs Adviser to the SNP group in the Scottish Parliament. Before moving into politics, Angus worked as a foreign and diplomatic correspondent in central Europe for the BBC, Austrian Radio and other leading broadcasters.
Angus was born in London to a Scottish father and German mother, and brought up in Edinburgh where he received both his Primary and High School education.
After leaving Broughton High School Angus completed an MA Honours in Politics and International Relations at Aberdeen University before embarking on his journalistic career.
Angus' main political interests are Scottish independence, International and European Affairs, defence, whisky, oil, fishing, sustainable development and youth issues.
1. What is your current position?
I am the Westminster Leader for the Scottish National Party and MP for Moray in the north of Scotland, representing my constituents in the stunning Speyside.
2. What are your proudest achievements?
Becoming Westminster's third party with 56 out of 59 Scottish MPs last year was undeniably a highlight. I'm also incredibly proud of the independence referendum campaign in Scotland in 2014. While we didn't the result we had hoped, the campaign was positive, energetic and inclusive.
3. What inspires you?
The trust that people have put in us as parliamentarians. It is a real privilege to represent my constituents and lead the SNP group in Westminster, but with that also comes great responsibility.
4. What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
There were certainly challenges that came with increasing our number of MPs from 6 to 56 at last year- from setting up offices to hiring enough staff, it's been an exciting, but hectic time.
5. Who has been the biggest influence in your career to date?
Moray MP predecessors, Winnie and Margaret Ewing, gave me invaluable advice about how to serve my constituents, and Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon for providing excellent leadership and direction.
6. What is the best aspect about your current role?
Working with such a diverse group of SNP MPs. The vast majority of our MPs were new to politics last year and they bring with them a wealth of experience which is invaluable. Our Health spokesperson is a consultant breast surgeon and our Justice spokesperson is a QC. We have former teachers, journalists, small business owners and MPs who ran their homes and have looked after their children. We have all ages from Mhairi Black at 21 and upwards, and we have Scotland's first Asian woman MP, Tasmina Ahmed -Sheikh.
7. And the worst?
It's probably the time I spend travelling each week between London and the north of Scotland- it's time I could otherwise be spending in the constituency.
8. What are your long term goals?
It’s no secret but the goal is to see a prosperous and independent Scotland, where people get the government they vote for.
9. If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Where do I even start?! I would completely review the government's foreign policy. The lingering presence of the unelected and undemocratic House of Lords would be another one. I would also scrap the obscene waste of money that is Trident nuclear weapons, and I would put a stop to the government's obsession with austerity and end the cuts which are hitting the country's most vulnerable people.
10. If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why
Mahatma Gandhi, who helped deliver independence for India and its people through a peaceful movement for democracy and self-determination.
