Returning to Britain, he wrote a doctoral thesis in modern British history at St John's College, Oxford.

[3] He was selected to replace outgoing Labour MP Rosemary McKenna to fight the seat of Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East at the 2010 general election.

[6] As Shadow Pensions Minister McClymont described proposals to reform annuities as a "good thing", but argued the coalition's plans "lacked clarity".

[9] He has argued repeatedly in parliament for stronger safeguards for post offices[10] following the privatisation of the Royal Mail.

He has also sought to highlight the impact changes to housing benefit will have on his constituents in Cumbernauld[11] as well as campaigning for compensation for victims of terror attacks overseas.