Kirsty McNeill is a new Labour MP but certainly not new to the Labour movement. She is perhaps best known for hr time working as an advisor to the Browns; firstly in Number 10 during Gordon Brown’s time as Prime Minister, and later for both Gordon and Sarah Brown on their charity projects. Following her experience working on a number of non-executive board, including at the IPPR and Our Scottish Future, she unseated the SNP in the seat of Midlothian. Currently serving in the Scotland Office, she was one of the first MPs of the new intake to be awarded roles in government. 

On the podcast, Kirsty talks to Katy Balls about growing up in an SNP-supporting family, her training as a debater and how activism and advocacy led her into politics. She also provides her reflections on 2014 Scottish referendum having worked on the campaign, how Scottish and Labour politics have changed over the past few years, and her priorities for the new Labour government.

Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Cindy Yu.