She was a junior minister under Gordon Brown before becoming a member of Shadow Cabinet of Ed Miliband.

Born in Paisley to Anne (née Coyle) and William Joseph McKechin, she was educated at Paisley Grammar School[2][3] and Sacred Heart High School, before studying Scots law at the University of Strathclyde.

She also served on a number of select committees including; Scottish Affairs (2001–05) and International Development (since 2005).

She replaced David Cairns as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Scotland Office on 16 September 2008.

[5] She lost her seat to Patrick Grady of the Scottish National Party at the 2015 general election.