Eilidh Whiteford, Scottish academic and politician

Eilidh Whiteford, born on 24 April 1969, is a notable figure within the Scottish National Party (SNP) whose political career saw her serve as the Member of Parliament for the picturesque and economically vital constituency of Banff and Buchan. Her tenure in the House of Commons spanned from 2010 until 2017, a period during which she significantly contributed to parliamentary discourse and policy development across a range of key areas, particularly those resonant with her Scottish roots and constituency needs.

Eilidh Whiteford: A Profile in Scottish Politics

Hailing from Scotland, Eilidh Whiteford became a prominent voice for the Scottish National Party, a major political force advocating for Scottish independence and representing Scotland's interests in both the Scottish Parliament and the UK Parliament at Westminster. Her background and political convictions aligned her with the SNP's core mission, leading her to seek and secure election to the House of Commons.

Representing Banff and Buchan (2010-2017)

In the United Kingdom general election of 2010, Eilidh Whiteford successfully secured the seat for Banff and Buchan, a constituency located in the north-east of Scotland known for its significant fishing industry, agricultural landscape, and picturesque coastal communities. This area's unique economic and social fabric provided a rich context for her parliamentary work, often directly influencing her focus areas during her time at Westminster. Representing such a distinct region meant she frequently advocated for issues pertinent to rural economies, maritime affairs, and the overall well-being of Scottish communities.

Key Roles and Responsibilities in Parliament

Shaping Policy in the 2010-2015 Parliament

During her initial term as an MP from 2010 to 2015, Eilidh Whiteford assumed a diverse set of responsibilities as a spokesperson for the Scottish National Party, allowing her to influence policy discussions and champion specific causes within Westminster. Her roles included:

• Spokesperson for Women: In this capacity, she focused on advocating for gender equality, women's rights, and addressing societal and economic issues affecting women across Scotland and the wider UK. This involved participating in debates and promoting legislation aimed at improving the lives of women.
• Spokesperson for Fishing, Food and Rural Affairs: Reflecting the vital economic sectors of her Banff and Buchan constituency, this role saw her championing the interests of Scotland’s fishing fleet, agricultural producers, and rural communities. She often highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities within these industries, particularly in relation to UK and European Union policies.
• Spokesperson for International Development: This position underscored the SNP’s commitment to global issues, even as a party primarily focused on Scottish domestic affairs. Whiteford worked on matters relating to aid, humanitarian efforts, and sustainable development in less economically developed countries, ensuring a Scottish voice contributed to international policy debates.

Focus on Social Justice in the 2015-2017 Parliament

Following the 2015 general election, which saw a significant surge in SNP representation at Westminster, Eilidh Whiteford continued to play a pivotal role. Her responsibilities evolved to reflect the party's priorities and the changing political landscape:

• Scottish Affairs Select Committee: She took on a crucial position as a member of the Scottish Affairs Select Committee. This parliamentary committee is tasked with scrutinizing the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, as well as considering the impact of UK government policy on Scotland. Her involvement here allowed her to directly question government ministers and influence reports on key issues affecting Scotland.
• Westminster Spokesperson for Social Justice, Work and Pensions: This significant role saw her leading the SNP's contributions on matters relating to welfare, employment, poverty, and pensions within the UK Parliament. In this capacity, she frequently challenged UK government policies on social security, advocating for a more compassionate and equitable approach that she believed better served the needs of people in Scotland, often highlighting differences between Westminster and Scottish Government approaches to welfare provision.

Eilidh Whiteford's parliamentary career was marked by a commitment to her constituents and a strong voice for Scottish interests across a broad spectrum of policy areas, from local economic drivers like fishing to global concerns like international development and fundamental issues of social justice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Eilidh Whiteford?

Eilidh Whiteford is a Scottish National Party (SNP) politician who served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Banff and Buchan in the UK House of Commons.

Which constituency did she represent?

She represented the constituency of Banff and Buchan, located in the north-east of Scotland, known for its fishing and agricultural industries.

When was she an MP?

Eilidh Whiteford served as the Member of Parliament for Banff and Buchan from 2010 to 2017.

What were her primary parliamentary roles?

During her time as an MP, she held several key spokesperson roles for the SNP, including for Women; Fishing, Food and Rural Affairs; International Development (2010-2015); and Social Justice, Work and Pensions (2015-2017). She also served on the Scottish Affairs Select Committee (2015-2017).

What is the Scottish National Party (SNP)?

The Scottish National Party is the largest political party in Scotland and the third-largest in the UK Parliament. Its main objective is Scottish independence from the United Kingdom, while also pursuing social-democratic policies.

What is the purpose of the Scottish Affairs Select Committee?

The Scottish Affairs Select Committee is a committee of the UK House of Commons responsible for scrutinizing the policies and spending of the Scotland Office and the impact of UK government policy on Scotland.