Stewart Hosie

Background

Born in Dundee, Stewart Hosie was educated at Brackens Primary School, Invertay Primary School Monifieth and Carnoustie High School. He then attended Dundee Institute of Technology where he gained a Higher Diploma in Computer Studies. He worked in IT for 20 years and ran his own business. From 1986–89 he was the SNP's first Youth Convener. From 1999, he spent four years as the Party's National Secretary before being elected as the Organisation Convener in 2003.

Political career

After his election to the House of Commons as the Member for Dundee East in 2005, Hosie was appointed the SNP Spokesperson for Home Affairs and Women, positions which he held until 2007. He was also appointed SNP Spokesperson for the Treasury, a position which he still currently holds. In 2010 he was appointed Deputy Leader and Chief Whip of the SNP Westminster Group. In the Commons, Hosie has become known for his outspoken criticism of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 as well as his interest in the Prudential Regulation Authority. He sits on the Commons Treasury Select Committee. Hosie is known for his support and representation of charities, most notably anti-sectarian charity Nil By Mouth, children’s charity the Smart Play Network, and humanitarian organisation Islamic Relief. He is also a member of the All Party Parliamentary Friends of the Baha’is.

SNP Depute leadership bid, 2014

Following defeat in the Scottish independence referendum, 2014, Scottish National Party leader and First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond announced his resignation as SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland. In the aftermath of his resignation, a leadership bid was launched, and SNP Depute leader Nicola Sturgeon stood down to stand for leader, triggering a Depute leader contest.

The results of the election were announced at the SNP's Autumn conference on 14 November 2014, with Hosie polling 42.2%, Keith Brown on 34.2% and Angela Constance on 23.5% in the first round of the single transferable vote election. In the second round, Hosie was elected after getting 55.5% of votes following the elimination of Constance. Turnout was 55% of SNP members.

Electoral history

First standing for the UK Parliament at the 1992 General Election in Kirkcaldy, Hosie went on to stand for both the Westminster and Scottish parliament. He contested Kirkcaldy at the 1997 General Election, and again at the Scottish Parliament general election, 1999. At the 2001 General Election, he contested Dundee East and reduced the incumbent Labour majority, and was eventually elected on 5 May 2005, gaining the seat from Labour. Hosie held the seat with an increased majority at the 2010 general election.

Personal life

Hosie is married to Shona Robison, MSP for Dundee City East (Scottish Parliament constituency) and Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport. The couple have a daughter. They live in the constituency.

In 2012 he suffered from a transient ischaemic attack, and was treated in Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. He is a supporter of Dundee United F.C..

In May 2016 Hosie and Robison announced that they had separated. This was followed by reports that Hosie had had an affair with Westminster-based freelance journalist Serena Cowdy. On 22 May Hosie announced his intention not to stand for re-election as Depute Leader, due to "intense scrutiny" by the media of his private life, meaning that his term of office would end at the SNP's annual conference later in the year.