Photo © Scottish Parliament
Member of the Scottish Parliament
Simita Kumar
Scottish National Party MSP for Edinburgh South Western
Minister for Equalities and International Development
At a glance Simita Kumar is a Scottish National Party Member of the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh South Western.
Attendance is votes cast as a share of the 2,903 Holyrood divisions on record. A rebellion is a vote against the way most of their own party voted; free votes, where no party line applies, are left out. At Holyrood an abstention is a deliberate recorded vote, distinct from not voting at all.
Party-loyalty figures are our own analysis of the official voting records (recorded votes only; they do not describe the formal whip). How we work this out.
Voting record
The most recent divisions Simita Kumar voted in. For, Against and Abstain are as recorded.
| 25 Jun 2026 | Achieving a Sustainable Prison Population | Against |
| 25 Jun 2026 | Achieving a Sustainable Prison Population | Against |
| 25 Jun 2026 | Achieving a Sustainable Prison Population | For |
| 25 Jun 2026 | Achieving a Sustainable Prison Population | Against |
| 25 Jun 2026 | Achieving a Sustainable Prison Population | Against |
| 24 Jun 2026 | National Security (State Threats) Bill – UK Legislation | For |
| 24 Jun 2026 | Scotland Needs Reform: Five Years to 2031 | For |
| 24 Jun 2026 | Scotland Needs Reform: Five Years to 2031 | For |
| 23 Jun 2026 | Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change | Against |
| 23 Jun 2026 | Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill - UK Legislation | For |
| 23 Jun 2026 | Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change | Against |
| 23 Jun 2026 | Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change | For |
| 23 Jun 2026 | Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change | Against |
| 23 Jun 2026 | Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change | For |
| 17 Jun 2026 | Affordable Bus Fares | Against |
Register of interests
From the Scottish Parliament's Register of Interests. Shown as registered; nothing is added or interpreted.
Controlled transactions1
- No registrable interests. (lodged 9 Jun 2026)
Gifts1
- No registrable interests. (lodged 9 Jun 2026)
Heritable property1
- No registrable interests. (lodged 9 Jun 2026)
Interest in shares1
- No registrable interests. (lodged 9 Jun 2026)
Overseas visits1
- No registrable interests. (lodged 9 Jun 2026)
Remuneration and related undertaking1
- Until 4 June 2026, when I resigned, I was a local authority Councillor for Edinburgh City Council (of 249 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ). I spent in the region of 40 hours per week on this role. I received remuneration of between £25,001 and £30,000 per annum for the role of Councillor. The basic rate of the councillor salary was deducted from my MSP salary. I also received the Senior Councillor Allowance amounting to £18,682 for my role as an SNP Group Leader which I resigned from on 21 May 2026. I received the use of two laptops, a computer tablet, and a mobile phone as part of my roles. (lodged 9 Jun 2026)
Voluntary1
- Until 21 May 2026, when I resigned, I was a Director of the Capital City Partnership (the anchor delivery body for Edinburgh’s employability strategy, working together to tackle inequality and poverty; of 14 Links Place, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 7EZ). It was a council appointment that was unremunerated. (lodged 9 Jun 2026)
Motions lodged
Speeches
Recent things Simita Kumar has said in the chamber and in committee, from the Official Report.
25 Jun 2026 General Question Time (draft)
I thank Jenny Young for her supplementary question. I will not comment on the rivalry between Bo’ness and Linlithgow, but I welcome the celebration in her local community.
25 Jun 2026 General Question Time (draft)
I absolutely agree with Colin Beattie. Celebratory events bring local communities together and will always play a vital role in modern Scotland. They are a powerful expression of community spirit, bringing people together to celebrate thei…
25 Jun 2026 General Question Time (draft)
I thank Colin Beattie for his important and relevant question.Community cohesion remains a core priority for the Scottish Government, recognising that trust, connection and inclusion underpin resilient communities and a flourishing Scotlan…
25 Jun 2026 General Question Time (draft)
It is crucial to point out that fly-tipping is a criminal offence and that local authorities have enforcement powers to address it, alongside wider action at national level to reduce illegal dumping and protect local environments. It is a …
25 Jun 2026 General Question Time (draft)
We expect local authorities to take the lead in responding to unauthorised encampments, including consideration of welfare needs, such as access to sanitation facilities. The Government is fulfilling its legal obligations as landowner by t…
23 Jun 2026 Decision Time (draft)
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My platform did not connect. I would have voted yes.
16 Jun 2026 Partnership with the Third Sector (draft)
As this is my first contribution, I begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the people of Edinburgh South Western for placing their trust in me to represent them. It is a profound honour and privilege. For those colleagues who are unfa…
14 May 2026 Oaths and Affirmations (draft)
I, Simita Kumar, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.Main, Simita Kumar, shapath leti hoon ki main, kanoon ke anusar, Mahamahim R…
Seat & career
- Edinburgh South Western Constituency MSP 7 May 2026 – present
Contact & offices
Source: this MSP's official Scottish Parliament profile. Last updated 26 Jul 2026.