KEZIA Dugdale is to hand left wing MSP Neil Findlay a role liaising with trade unions as part of her Scottish Labour reshuffle.
Mr Findlay, a vocal supporter of Jeremy Corbyn and former Scottish Labour leadership contender, was not handed a front bench role by his new boss leading to raised eyebrows in some quarters.
However, party sources have revealed that the Lothians MSP and ex-shadow health secretary will be given a brief within the party's new equalities portfolio, which is being fronted by Jenny Marra. The portfolio covers health, equalities, welfare, care and social inclusion.
Mr Findlay will also advise Ms Dugdale on union issues, and act as a liaison with the workers' groups.
He said: "I am very pleased with the role I have been offered working on equality and trade union issues – I am really looking forward to working on a range of policies to address the deeply engrained inequality we see across Scotland and also working with my friends and colleagues in the trade unions. I could not asked for a better role."
Since becoming an MSP in 2011, the former bricklayer has campaigned on a range of trade union issues including blacklisting. Moves to tighten rules over lobbying were later adopted by the Scottish Government.
He stood against Jim Murphy in the Scottish Labour leadership contest last year, winning 35 per cent of the vote compared to 55 per cent for Mr Murphy.
Mr Findlay resigned from the shadow cabinet in the wake of Scottish Labour's disastrous performance at the general election in what was widely seen as a bid to heap pressure on Mr Murphy to quit as leader.
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