MP for Dumfries and Galloway, Alister Jack, has been appointed as Secretary of State for Scotland.
Following his appointment, Alister Jack said: “I am honoured to have been appointed Secretary of State for Scotland at a time when we face very significant challenges as a country.
“We need to leave the EU in a way which works for Scotland and the whole of the UK. We can, and will, leave the EU, and in doing so open up new opportunities for Scottish businesses.
“We need to continue to defend the Union against those who would seek to tear it apart. In 2014, the people of Scotland voted to remain part of a strong United Kingdom. We will stand up for their decision against those who would try to impose unwanted and divisive constitutional change.
“At the same time we need to work with the Scottish Government in boosting Scotland’s economy, which continues to lag behind that of the rest of the UK, in large part due to the Scottish Government’s anti-business and high tax ideology. The UK Government will continue to invest across Scotland, including through city and growth deals and supporting our oil and gas industry.
“There are challenges ahead of us, but I am confident that we will meet them successfully, building a path to a more prosperous country.”
He replaces David Mundell, who said he was “disappointed but not surprised” to be losing his position.
Worcester MP Robin Walker is to be parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Scotland Office, Alister Jack’s number two (no sniggering at the back, there! – Ed).
The Bailliol College Oxford-educated MP does at least have some experience of government – he previously served in the Department for Exiting the European Union. Mr Walker replaces Ian Duncan (no, me neither – Ed), who is moving to the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Mr Walker will also serve at the Northern Ireland Office – he’s clearly going to be a busy man.
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