David Whitton
David Whitton | |
---|---|
Member of the Scottish Parliament for Strathkelvin and Bearsden | |
In office 3 May 2007 – 22 March 2011 | |
Preceded by | Jean Turner |
Succeeded by | Fiona McLeod |
Majority | 3,388 (9.3%) |
Personal details | |
Born | Scottish Labour Party | 22 April 1952
Spouse | married |
Children | two |
Residence(s) | Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire |
Profession | Journalist |
Website | davidwhittonmsp |
David Whitton (born 22 April 1952) is a Scottish journalist,
Background
Whitton was educated at the
Political career
In 1999 Whitton became
Following the first Scottish Parliament elections, Whitton became Special Adviser to the
In 2000, Whitton established his own public affairs consultancy with clients including Scottish Enterprise, The Scottish Council for Development and Industry, The Al‑Maktoum Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies.
Member of the Scottish Parliament
Whitton was elected to the Scottish Parliament in May 2007 for the constituency of Strathkelvin and Bearsden becoming Parliamentary Aide to Wendy Alexander MSP until her resignation as party leader on 28 June 2008. In addition to a position as Deputy Labour Party Spokesperson on Finance, he was a substitute member of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, Member of the Finance Committee, a member of the Labour Trade Union Group, and a board member of the Scottish Parliamentary Business Exchange. In 2010/11 Whitton claimed more than £34,000 in expenses which was the sixth highest amount at the Scottish Parliament.[2]
In the SNP landslide victory in the 2011 Scottish Parliament election, he lost his seat to Fiona McLeod, on a swing of 7.7%.
Career timeline
- Rathfern Road Primary, London, (1957–63)
- Forest Hill School, London, 1963
- Morgan Academy, Dundee (1963–70)
- Journalist, Dundee Courier, Fife Free Press, Kirkcaldy and Evening Express, Aberdeen (1970–78)
- Reporter, The Scotsman, (1978–81)
- Industrial Reporter, Daily Record (1981–83)
- Industrial Editor, Daily Record, (1983–86)
- Reporter, presenter, producer, Scottish Television (1986–94)
- Head of Public Affairs, Scottish Television (1994–96)
- Director, Media House (1996–98)
- Special Adviser to Donald Dewar, First Minister (1998–2000)
- managing director, Whitton PR Ltd (2000–2007)
- Member of the Scottish Parliament (2007–2011)
References
- ^ "In Depth | Donald Dewar | David Whitton's reading". BBC News. 17 October 2000. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
- ^ "Former Kirkintilloch and Bishopbriggs MSP claimed thousands in expenses – Local Headlines". Kirkintilloch Herald. 22 December 2011. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
External links
- Scottish Parliament profiles of MSPs: David Whitton