The Prime Minister Boris Johnson sacked the former Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell and has replaced him with Government Whip and MP for Dumfries and Galloway, Alister Jack.
Mr Jack was elected MP in 2017 with a 43.3% share of the vote and a majority of 5,643 . This followed a successful career in business setting up companies which we know here in Edinburgh such as Field and Lawn and Aardvark Storage. He first entered politics in 1997 when he fought the Tweeddale Ettrick and Lauderdale seat.
He spoke most recently in parliament on St Valentine’s Day when he said he had supported Theresa May’s deal but that he had reservations particularly about the backstop. He also explained that he was anxious to avoid a second referendum, that he wanted to move on but that he was at that point against a no deal Brexit.
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.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
