FORMER MSP Hugh Henry has tweeted Tom Arthur to congratulate him on his Renfrewshire South victory.

The Labour veteran announced earlier this year that he would not be standing again in the constituency and was bowing out of politics.

Today he tweeted his congratulations to the SNP man, who defeated Labour hopeful Paul O'Kane by almost 5,000 votes in last week's Scottish Parliament elections.

Henry tweeted: "Congratulations to Thomas Arthur on being sworn in as new MSP for Renfrewshire South. 

"Great communities and great people."

The Gazette:

Arthur was sworn in today (Thursday) as the new MSP for the area which takes in Barrhead and Johnstone.

However Hugh was playing a significantly lower key role - hanging out the washing.

The 64-year-old seems to be taking retirement in his stride.

He jokingly tweeted: "That's another washing hung out.

"It's been a long apprenticeship preparing for this.

"Man behold thy future."

The Gazette:

Hugh held the Renfrewshire South seat from 2011 until 2016, and was first elected to the former constituency of Paisley South in 1999.

He held numerous posts over the years, including Minister for Education and Deputy Minister for Justice.