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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Stuart Gillespie

Dumfries and Galloway MP Alister Jack to remain as Scottish Secretary

Dumfries and Galloway MP Alister Jack will serve as Scottish Secretary for a third Prime Minister.

He was reappointed to the role by Rishi Sunak on Tuesday.

Mr Jack initially took on the job under Boris Johnson in 2019 and also held the role during Liz Truss’ brief premiership.

He said: “I am very pleased to have been reappointed as Scottish Secretary.

“We are facing very significant challenges both at home and abroad and there is much to be done.

“We need to bring stability to our economy and our public finances, deliver long-term prosperity for everyone in our country and continue to sustain and strengthen the Union.

“I very much look forward to working with the Prime Minister to deliver for all parts of the United Kingdom.”

Mr Sunak became Britain’s third Prime Minister this year following the resignation of Ms Truss last week.

And as he has only received the backing of Tory MPs, rather than members of the public, for the role, opposition politicians are calling for a general lection.

South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth said: “Changing their leader again won’t change the fact this is an incompetent Tory government which has inflicted economic chaos and its ordinary families who paying the price with rising mortgages and planned cuts on our public services.

“Rishi Sunak was the chancellor who ushered in the cost of living crisis and the biggest drop in household income on record and has no mandate from the people to be Prime Minister. That shouldn’t be a decision for the handful of Tory MPs who gave us Liz Truss just a few weeks ago but a matter for the people.

“It’s time we had a general election so the public can have their say on this immoral Tory government and the chance to vote for the change we so desperately need.”

Mr Sunak was the only official candidate to take on the role of Prime Minister, Penny Mordurant and former leader Boris Johnson both deciding against launching bids.

The next general election isn’t due until early 2025.

But South Scotland SNP MSP Emma Harper said: “The Tories cannot be allowed to impose a third Prime Minister without a general election – voters must get a say and the SNP is determined to ensure they do.

“Let’s not forget, Rishi Sunak backed Brexit which is wreaking havoc on our economy with food prices spiralling and inflation through the roof – not to mention that he was fined for partying with Boris Johnson at the very height of lockdown.

“No one voted for this. The only reason the Tories are running scared of democracy is because they fear the verdict of the people. There’s no better indication of that than the polling in Scotland which shows voting SNP could wipe the Tories out completely.

“The decisions that are made in the weeks and months ahead will be hugely significant and will impact the economy, public services and household budgets for years to come. Voters must get a say on what course they want to take - instead of having damaging decisions imposed against our will.”

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