A CONSERVATIVE MSP for the west of Scotland has admitted his disappointment after losing his role as the party's shadow justice secretary at Holyrood.
Jamie Greene was replaced by Russell Findlay in a reshuffle announced by Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross on Wednesday.
The openly gay MSP voted in favour of the SNP's controversial Gender Recognition Reform Bill last year - going against most of his party colleagues at Holyrood.
In a strongly-worded statement, Mr Greene said he took "pride" in standing up for his principles by backing the proposals - which were later blocked by the UK Government, forcing a court battle.
Mr Greene, who has represented the West Scotland region since 2016, said: "Free thinking and standing up for your principles are qualities that I take pride in - and pride is something to celebrate, not hide away."
The list MSP, who stood as Conservative candidate for the North Ayrshire and Arran Westminster seat in 2015 and twice for the Holyrood constituency of Cunninghame North, issued his statement after today's announcement.
He said: "It has been an honour to serve as shadow justice secretary and lead on a number of bills going through the Scottish Parliament.
"I am disappointed to lose that role, in particular fighting for the rights of victims in our justice system. I am always amazed by the resilience of people who have suffered unimaginable trauma and I am proud to have given them a voice.
"I have held three front bench positions - transport, education and latterly justice - since becoming an MSP in 2016.
"I believe it is vital to the good health of our politics that even in the midst of bitter division and dissent, politicians find a path to consensus where possible and respectful disagreement where it is not.
"In the real world, people don't agree about everything all of the time, nor should they be expected to do so in politics.
"Politics is at its heart the very process of managing such disagreements. That process is characteristic of a healthy democracy, but it is a character sorely lacking in Scottish politics.
"It is okay to disagree, both within and between political parties. Or at least it should be.
"I will continue to represent my West of Scotland constituents on the many issues that matter to them.
"The reality is, that freed from the conventions of collective responsibility I am able to fight even harder for our island communities, for victims of crime, for our rural communities, for businesses on the Clyde and for the voiceless.
"That is a privilege which must be used wisely.
"I take great personal pride in standing up for the things I believe to be right, uncompromisingly so. Which is why I got into politics in the first place.
"Free thinking and standing up for your principles are qualities that I take pride in - and pride is something to celebrate, not hide away.
"I wish the new front bench well."
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