Tim Eagle has been appointed as the new Scottish Conservative chief whip following Alexander Burnett’s decision to step down.
Tim Eagle will remain as shadow rural affairs secretary.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “I want to thank Alex for his work as chief whip, a role which I fully appreciate can be very time-consuming, especially in an election year.
“I know he will take the fight to the SNP and ensure the Scottish Conservatives win the Aberdeenshire West seat for a third time.
“I am however thrilled to appoint Tim Eagle as our new chief whip. Tim has spent even less time at Holyrood than I have but that’s to his benefit.
“He has considerable life experience and spent a number of years in local government. I’m sure he will be very effective and I look forward to working with him.”
Scottish Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West Alexander Burnett said: “After considering it over the summer, I have decided to step aside as chief whip in order to focus all my efforts on being re-elected in Aberdeenshire West, where I will once again be competing head-to-head with the SNP in a tight race.
“I have greatly enjoyed the role of whip and working alongside Russell. However, in a Scottish Parliament election year, it is a full-time role and requires a considerable time commitment in Edinburgh, away from Aberdeenshire.
“I have always put the interests of the people of Aberdeenshire West first in all my decisions and I have decided to do so again now.
“I will continue to be a strong supporter of Russell’s leadership and I’m confident his positive Conservative vision will help me to defeat the SNP in Aberdeenshire for the third successive time.”
Scottish Conservative MSP for Highlands and Islands Tim Eagle said: “It’s a great privilege to be appointed to this new role and I look forward to working closely with all my colleagues to make it a success.
“We have a great team of talented MSPs in the Scottish Parliament who are ready to put forward a positive Conservative vision for Scotland that can help to take seats from the SNP next year.”