Born on the north coast of Ireland, Tommy went to Aberdeen University and graduated in 1982 with a degree in sociology and politics. He was elected Vice-President of the National Union of Students. He worked in PR, running campaigns until he was elected to Hackney Council in 1986 and became deputy council leader four years later.
In 1993, he was appointed Assistant General Secretary of the Scottish Labour Party under John Smith, leaving the role three years later and resigning from the Labour party in 2003, citing disappointment with the direction of the party under Tony Blair. He started the Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh in 1995 and by 1998 it became a successful business. It is now a comedy institution with venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle and playing host to events, including in the annual Fringe programme.
Tommy was a major figure in the 2014 Yes campaign. In the two years running up to the referendum he ran the local group in south Edinburgh and campaigned hard nationally for Scotland’s independence. He organised the Night for Scotland event at the Usher Hall four days before the vote.
In May 2015, he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Edinburgh East with a majority of 9,106 and 49.2% of the vote. Tommy was appointed as the SNP’s spokesperson on the Cabinet Office.
In June 2017 snap general election, Tommy was returned at the Member of Parliament for Edinburgh East. And then in December 2019, Tommy was again re-elected with a majority of 10,417. During that term, he served as the SNP Shadow Leader of the House and now holds the post of Spokesperson on Scotland.
He worked tirelessly for his constituents in Edinburgh East, campaigning on issues including human rights, Palestine, drug law reform and equalities issues. He continues fighting for anti-poverty policies and to reverse UK austerity as a candidate in the forthcoming general election.