EAST Renfrewshire’s MP has returned to the frontline of politics after being handed a major role by the SNP.

Kirsten Oswald, who won back her seat in last month’s election, has become the party’s new Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Wales.

She has also been named as the Nationalists’ Work, Pensions and Inclusion spokesperson, taking over from Airdrie and Shotts MP Neil Gray.

Other high-profile appointments by the party include Glasgow Central MP Alison Thewliss becoming Shadow Chancellor and Alyn Smith, MP for Stirling, taking on the role of Shadow Foreign Secretary.

Ms Oswald (pictured) said: “I am pleased to have been appointed to the SNP front bench as Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Wales, working as part of a strong team of SNP MPs who will stand up for our communities and stand up for Scotland.

“I am also delighted to have a role as spokesperson for Work, Pensions and Inclusion, which is an area of significant importance to people living in East Renfrewshire.

“I look forward to getting to work for all of the people living in our local communities.”

Read more: SNP MP Kirsten Oswald says East Renfrewshire has 'loudly' rejected Brexit

Ian Blackford, the SNP’s leader at Westminster, said: “The new SNP team at Westminster will be a strong and united opposition – standing up for Scotland in the face of the growing threats of Brexit and an extreme Tory government.

“I’m delighted to welcome fresh faces and expertise to the SNP’s front bench team. Our newly-elected MPs will bring a wealth of talent and experience from their careers in our NHS, schools, business, journalism and international affairs to defend Scotland’s interests and hold Boris Johnson’s hard-right government to account.

“The SNP won a landslide victory at the general election on a mandate to hold an independence referendum, while the Tories and their Brexit plans were overwhelmingly rejected by people in Scotland.

“SNP MPs will work hard to stand up for Scotland’s interests.”