Natalie Don-Innes (born 12 February 1989) is a Scottish National Party (SNP) politician who has served as the Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Renfrewshire North and West since 2021.[1][2]
She has been serving as the Minister for Children, Young People and the Promise since 2023.[a][3]
Early life
Don-Innes is from Renfrewshire and was raised in a council house by a single mother, following the death of her father when she was young.[4] She holds a university degree in history from the University of Glasgow.[5]
Political career
Don-Innes continued to serve as a local councillor for the Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank ward after having been elected in the 2017 Renfrewshire Council election.[6] She stood down after the 2022 local council elections in Scotland.
She was selected as the SNP's candidate for the Renfrewshire North and West constituency in November 2020 for the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, following a tight second vote by party members after the first vote had resulted in a tie with fellow Renfrewshire councillor Michelle Campbell.[7][8] Don-Innes was subsequently elected as MSP for the constituency with a 46.3% vote share and majority of 7,307 (19.1%) votes.[9]
In 2023, she was appointed to the Yousaf government as Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise.[10]
Personal life
Don-Innes lives in the Renfrewshire village of Bridge of Weir[4] and has two children.[5] She is a fan of video games.[11]
References
- ^ "Renfrewshire North & West - Scottish Parliament constituency". BBC News. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
- ^ "Don, Natalie, (born 12 Feb. 1989), Member (SNP) Renfrewshire North and West, Scottish Parliament, since 2021; Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise, since 2023". WHO'S WHO & WHO WAS WHO. 2023. doi:10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.u295968. ISBN 978-0-19-954088-4. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
- ^ "Full ministerial team confirmed". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
- ^ a b Derek Mackay staffer Natalie Don bids for his Holyrood seat, The National, 11 August 2020
- ^ a b Gilmour, Ruaraidh (29 March 2023). "Natalie Don MSP: Getting To Know You". Holyrood.
- ^ Ward 11- Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank, Renfrewshire Council
- ^ SNP candidacy battle for Scottish election goes on as initial ballot results in historic tie, Stephanie Brawn, Daily Record, 10 November 2020
- ^ Michelle Campbell defeated by Natalie Don in key SNP Holyrood selection contest, Today News Post, 23 November 2020.
- ^ 2021 - Scottish Parliamentary Election - Results, Renfrewshire Council
- ^ Paton, Craig (29 March 2023). "Yousaf says SNP is 'united' as he appoints supporters to his first Cabinet". Evening Standard. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
- ^ Brawn, Steph (19 December 2022). "The MSP on a mission to better support Scotland's thriving games sector". The National.
External links
- Scottish Parliament profiles of MSPs: Natalie Don