RUTH Davidson has been appointed to the House of Lords.
The former Scottish Conservative leader and current Edinburgh West MSP has accepted the appointment – but will continue as an MSP before standing down at May’s Holyrood election.
She will only take up her seat in the House of Lords after her Holyrood term ends and is expected to deputise for Douglas Ross at First Minister's Questions in the coming months if he is successful in becoming the new Scottish Conservative leader.
Ms Davidson said: "I am honoured to follow in the footsteps of former Holyrood parliamentarians such as Jack McConnell, Jim Wallace and Annabel Goldie in being nominated for membership of the House of Lords.
READ MORE: Ruth Davidson: Douglas Ross has 'vision, drive and energy' to lead Scottish Conservatives
"As a chamber dedicated to scrutinising and revising legislation, the upper house is stronger when it includes a range of voices with experience from different jobs, backgrounds, specialities and parliaments across the UK, and I believe I can make a contribution to its work.
"However, my main focus continues to be my Edinburgh Central constituency and I have confirmed that I will only take my seat after I cease to be an MSP in March."
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “I warmly congratulate Ruth.
“She will be an outstanding champion for Scottish interests in the House of Lords, making the positive case for Scotland being at the heart of a strong UK.
“Her well-deserved appointment recognises the success she has enjoyed as former leader of the Scottish Conservatives and her continued commitment to public life and serving the people of Scotland.”
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