Stuart McDonald MP was born in 1978, growing up in the constituency he now represents, before heading to Edinburgh University to study law. He worked as a solicitor for eight years, with over half of that as an immigration lawyer at the Immigration Advisory Service.
Having joined the SNP back in 1994, in 2009 he went to work in the Scottish Parliament as a researcher and was then appointed as the senior researcher for the official Yes Scotland campaign during the Scottish independence referendum. After the Yes campaign fell short of victory on 18th September last year, he took up a post as with the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER) in Glasgow, as their Parliamentary and Public Affairs Officer.
At the same time Stuart was selected for what he thought was the safe Labour seat where he grew up – Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East, in central Scotland. But with the SNP conquering all before it in May’s election, a 14,000 Labour majority was turned in to a 15,000 SNP majority.
1) What is your current position?
I am the MP for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East (where I’m proud to be from), I’m the SNP’s spokesperson on Immigration, Asylum and Border Control and a member of the Home Affairs Select Committee (under the expert Chairmanship of Mr Keith Vaz!)
2) What are your proudest achievements?
Things that have made me very proud include some of the cases I won as an immigration solicitor – appeals on behalf of refugees, or against entry clearance decisions that were keeping families apart, for example. But I was also proud to be elected to represent my local community in May.
3) What inspires you?
I just want to help ensure people have the same opportunities and support to fulfil their maximum potential and enjoy happy lives – regardless of where they are born, or their sex, religion, race, sexuality, or any disability.
4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career to date?
To be honest, I wouldn’t say I’ve faced too many obstacles that I could complain about – I’m fortunate in that regard. My family have always been supportive, as were my school teachers and my friends all were really encouraging when I was selected as a candidate.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on you career to date?
My parents – for the reasons above. I’ve also been lucky to work with lots of really passionate and talented people, both as a lawyer and in politics. But as long standing supporter of the SNP and Scottish independence, it would be impossible not to mention my now colleague, Alex Salmond!
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
It’s amazing to be able to articulate arguments in Parliament on issues I’m passionate about – like the government’s pretty pathetic response to the refugee crisis and its absurd migration policies. And as the third biggest party at Westminster, all SNP MPs have a much wider audience to speak to now.
7) And the worst?
I didn’t think it would be such a problem, but I have to confess I get a bit fed up travelling to and from London every week – it can be exhausting and disruptive, but it’s part of the job I’ll just need to get used to!
8) What are your long term goals?
I want to become someone that my constituents know they can rely on for help. I want to help change the terms of debate that we have about immigration – it has become pretty nasty and there are a lot of myths out there. And help achieve an independent Scotland.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I’d declare Scotland to be an independent country, and encourage creation of strong regional Parliaments in England in order to bring powers closer to the people.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Tough question! I’m sure Nelson Mandela would be good company, as well as a fascinating man to speak to. Though Captain Cook or Christopher Columbus might have a better chance of getting me off the island – and have some decent stories to tell even if not!
