Ben Macpherson MSP

Ben Macpherson was appointed Minister for Social Security and Local Government in May 2021.

Ben grew up in Edinburgh before studying a BA Honours degree in Philosophy and Politics at the University of York. After graduating he returned to Edinburgh and worked in a number of different roles before going on to complete a postgraduate LLB and a Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of Edinburgh. He then qualified as a solicitor and practised as a lawyer with one of Scotland’s large commercial firms. As well as his legal training, Ben has worked in financial services, for an NGO, in renewable energy, in a school and in hospitality.

Throughout his career, Ben has been a committed political activist. In 2016 this culminated in being elected as the MSP for the Edinburgh Northern and Leith constituency, where he lives.

As a backbencher, Ben has previously served on the Scottish Parliament’s Social Security Committee, Justice Committee and Sub-Committee on Policing. He was also a Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the First Minster between 2016-2018.

In June 2018 Ben was appointed Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development, before becoming Minister for Public Finance and Migration in February 2020, and Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment in December 2020. In May 2021 he took up his current role as Minister for Social Security and Local Government.

He is a committed internationalist and passionate about social justice and sustainable, inclusive economic progress. Beyond working and campaigning, Ben likes running, football and watching films and documentaries.

• Read more about Ben Macpherson on the Scottish Parliament website.