MP for Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Cabinet Office)
“A party-loyal SNP MP with high attendance who fronts multiple shadow briefs focusing on welfare, NHS funding and public services.”
Brendan O’Hara is a Scottish National Party MP for Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber, first elected in 2015. He currently serves as Shadow SNP Spokesperson for the Cabinet Office, Culture, Media and Sport, and the Middle East, and has previously held roles including SNP Chief Whip and various Foreign Affairs-related positions and committee work.
He votes consistently with his party (100% loyalty) and has a relatively high attendance rate (57%, above the SNP average of 35%). His record shows support for Universal Credit and NHS funding, opposition to stricter immigration controls, the asylum system, and the Rwanda deportation scheme, with mixed votes on VAT, transgender rights, and trade union powers, and opposition to harsher prison sentencing.
He has eight declared interests, including three overseas visits, gifts and hospitality from UK sources, a family member employed, miscellaneous interests, and a shareholding.
Generated 21 February 2026
How this MP participates in parliamentary votes. These numbers describe activity, not effectiveness.
How often this MP votes
Scottish National Party average: 35%
The percentage of parliamentary votes (divisions) this MP participated in. MPs may miss votes for legitimate reasons including ministerial duties, constituency work, or illness.
How often this MP votes with their party
Scottish National Party average: 100%
Estimated from voting record, not self-declared. This is a simplified model — real politics is more complex than a single axis.
17 positions
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Cabinet Office)
Since Jul 2024
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Culture, Media and Sport)
Since Jul 2024
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Middle East)
Since Jul 2024
Foreign Affairs Sub-Committee on the Overseas Territories
Nov 2023 - May 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee
Sept 2023 - May 2024
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)
Sept 2023 - May 2024
SNP Chief Whip
Jan 2023 - Sept 2023
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (International Development)
Dec 2022 - Jan 2023
Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform Bill)
Nov 2022 - Nov 2022
Figures include only interests with declared monetary values from the Register of Members' Financial Interests. Some categories (e.g. hospitality, overseas visits) may not have monetary values recorded, so the total may not reflect all declared interests.
King's Speech Motion for an Address
NOKing's Speech Motion for an Address: amendment (l)
AYEDraft Immigration and Asylum (Provision of Accommodation to Failed Asylum-Seekers) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
NODraft Asylum Seekers (Reception Conditions) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
NOPension Schemes Bill: Government Motion relating to Lords Reason 88X
AYECollective Defined Contribution Pension Schemes Bill
Privilege
AYEChildren's School and Wellbeing Bill: Motion relating to Lords Amendments 38V to 38X
AYEPension Schemes Bill: Motion relating to Lords Reason 88Q
AYECollective Defined Contribution Pension Schemes Bill
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Cabinet Office)
Opposition role · 10 Jul 2024
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Culture, Media and Sport)
Opposition role · 10 Jul 2024
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Middle East)
Opposition role · 10 Jul 2024
Foreign Affairs Sub-Committee on the Overseas Territories
Parliamentary role · 14 Nov 2023
Foreign Affairs Committee
Parliamentary role · 12 Sept 2023
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)
Opposition role · 4 Sept 2023
SNP Chief Whip
Opposition role · 17 Jan 2023
The percentage of votes where this MP voted the same way as the majority of their party. High loyalty is typical; most MPs vote with their party on most issues.
Rebel votes
Times this MP voted differently from the majority of their party. This can reflect independent judgement, but context matters — some rebel votes are on procedural matters, others on major policy.
