I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year and hope you had a wonderful time over the festive period.

It’s safe to say that 2017 was an exciting but uncertain year, in which we saw a snap General Election as the Conservatives tried to grab as much power as possible to fuel a hard Brexit.

This did not work out quite how the Conservatives intended it to, seeing them reduced to a minority Government.

I am honoured to have been re-elected to represent Paisley and Renfrewshire South for a second term.

I hope 2018 can bring more excitement than uncertainty, however.

After June’s General Election, I was given the honour of being selected as the SNP spokesperson on pensions and youth. I look forward to the challenges that this role will bring in 2018.

I intend to continue to stand up for the injustices facing the WASPI women and call out the scandalous full roll-out of Universal Credit.

The Brexit negotiations will continue and the SNP will continue to do what is in the best interest of the people of Scotland.

I met with many fantastic local people, groups, businesses, service workers and students last year throughout Renfrewshire and I must say it is comforting to see that Renfrewshire has a promising future ahead.

I am very much looking forward to meeting with more of our local community in the year ahead.

Once again, I hope you all have a fantastic New Year.