Jenny Gilruth
Jennifer Madeleine Gilruth (born 1984), commonly known as Jenny Gilruth, is a Scottish National Party (SNP) politician who has been the Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the constituency of Mid Fife and Glenrothes since 2016.[1] Since February 2020, she has served as Minister for Europe and International Development in the Scottish Government.
Jenny Gilruth | |
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Gilruth in 2016 | |
Minister for Europe and International Development | |
Assumed office 17 February 2020 | |
First Minister | Nicola Sturgeon |
Preceded by | Ben Macpherson |
Member of the Scottish Parliament for Mid Fife and Glenrothes | |
Assumed office 6 May 2016 | |
Preceded by | Tricia Marwick |
Majority | 8,276 |
Personal details | |
Born | Jennifer Madeleine Gilruth 1984 (age 35–36) Aberdeen, Scotland |
Political party | Scottish National Party |
Domestic partner | Kezia Dugdale (2017–present) |
Alma mater | University of Glasgow University of Strathclyde |
Website | www |
Early life and career
Gilruth was first raised in Banff, Aberdeenshire, before her family moved to Ceres, Fife. Her father was born and raised in Newport-on-Tay.[2] She was educated at Madras College, St Andrews[3] and lives in Markinch. She graduated from the University of Glasgow with a degree in sociology and politics, and obtained her Professional Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Strathclyde.[3]
Before becoming an MSP, Gilruth was a Principal Teacher of Social Subjects at a Fife Secondary School, she was previously a National Qualifications Development Officer at Education Scotland, and prior to that taught Modern Studies at the Royal High School, in Edinburgh.[4] Gilruth also marked exams for the Scottish Qualifications Authority and is a published author.[5]
Political career
In April 2016, Gilruth was nominated as the SNP’s candidate for Mid Fife and Glenrothes in the Scottish Parliament election on 5 May 2016.[6] She won the seat with 15,555 votes, an unprecedented 54.9% of the vote, with a majority of 8,236; more than double the votes cast for second-place candidate Kay Morrison of Scottish Labour.[7] She succeeded Tricia Marwick, who had been the Presiding Officer in the 4th Scottish Parliament (2011–16).[8]
In February 2020, Gilruth joined the Scottish Government as Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development as part of the reshuffle following the resignation of Cabinet Secretary for Finance Derek Mackay.[9]
Personal life
On 15 July 2017, it was announced Gilruth was in a relationship with Kezia Dugdale, who was, at that time, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party.[10]
References
- "Mid Fife and Glenrothes". BBC News. 6 May 2016. Archived from the original on 16 February 2017.
- Gilruth, Jenny (27 November 2017). "Jenny Gilruth: Kezia Dugdale has the strength to cope with jungle fever". The Courier. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
- Alexander, Michael (29 April 2016). "Scottish Election 2016: 'Tricia Marwick has been such an inspiration', says SNP candidate". The Courier. Archived from the original on 30 April 2016. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
- "Royal High students to host panel event in BBC competition". The Scotsman. 23 March 2010. Archived from the original on 3 June 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- https://www.amazon.co.uk/National-Modern-Studies-Course-Notes/dp/0007504950
- Stark, Jim (5 April 2016). "SNP choose candidate for Mid Fife seat". Central Fife Times. Archived from the original on 2 June 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
- "Mid Fife and Glenrothes". BBC News. Archived from the original on 16 February 2017. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
- "Scottish Election 2016: 'Tricia Marwick has been such an inspiration', says SNP candidate". thecourier.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
- "Cabinet Appointments - gov.scot". 17 February 2020. Archived from the original on 17 February 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
- "Kezia Dugdale in relationship with SNP MSP Jenny Gilruth". BBC News. 15 July 2017. Archived from the original on 15 July 2017. Retrieved 15 July 2017.
External links
- profile on SNP website
- MSP's biography pages at Scottish Parliament
- personal website
Parliament of Scotland | ||
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Preceded by Tricia Marwick |
Member of the Scottish Parliament for Mid Fife and Glenrothes 2016–present |
Incumbent |