DUNFERMLINE and West Fife MP Thomas Docherty has been promoted to the role of shadow deputy leader of the House of Commons.

The appointment will put Mr Docherty, previously shadow minister for water, at the heart of parliamentary business in the run-up to the general election just over a year away.

In his new job, Mr Docherty will be responsible for working with the Government over the scheduling of debates in the Commons.

He said, “One of the issues that will be coming forward is over the recall of MPs, which people in Dunfermline will be familiar with, given the problems in getting rid of Bill Walker as MSP, even after his conviction.” Mr Docherty was previously in his new post for three months last year to cover for a medical absence and obviously impressed in the role.

He said, “I’m very excited by the appointment and looking forward to getting started in the job.”