Daniel Johnson MSP

Daniel is Scottish Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Business and Fair Work, leading in developing Labour’s policy and approach to economic growth and its relationship with business. Prior to entering politics, he was Managing Director of the Paper Tiger and Studio One group of stores in Edinburgh. He began his career working as a management consultant for Accenture in their Financial Services practice: working for clients in capital markets and retail banking.

First elected in 2016, gaining the Edinburgh Southern Constituency, Daniel was re-elected in 2021 with an increased majority. In the last parliamentary session, he served as Shadow Justice Secretary and Shadow Education Minister. He also successfully managed a private member’s bill through parliament, increasing the legal protection for retail workers in law.

For Scottish Labour, Daniel has most recently published ‘Changing Skills’ – a consultation which sets out how to deliver a flexible, responsive, and integrated skills system. He is currently supporting Scottish Labour’s Economic Advisory Board, which provides independent insight and thought leadership on strategies and initiatives focused on growing Scotland’s economy and maximising its potential. 

Daniel was formerly the Deputy Convenor of the Finance and Public Administration Committee, as well as a member of the Justice Committee and is currently the Convenor of the Cross-Party Group on the USA.

Daniel’s interests include enterprise, technology, skills, justice and neurodiversity.