The Scottish Secretary insists a change of Prime Minister won’t affect a bid to bring tens of millions of pounds of UK Government Cash to Dumfries and Galloway.
MP Alister Jack has given his backing to a council project to secure cash from the Levelling Up fund for the Rocks and Wheels outdoor centre in Dalbeattie, a water sports hub in Stranraer and redeveloping the town’s George Hotel.
The local authority is also looking for funding for the regeneration of Annan Harbour and transport improvements such as electric buses.
Mr Jack is a staunch supporter of both the Levelling Up programme and Prime Minister Boris Johnson and is confident the appointment of his replacement won’t have any impact on the proposals.
He said: “The programmes to target funding at projects that will support economic development and community regeneration have been at the heart of the UK agenda and I would expect that to remain the case.
“This work is as important as ever as we deal with the on-going impact of Covid, the war in Ukraine and the resulting international energy shortages and cost-of-living challenges.
“The direction of travel and priorities will obviously be set by the incoming Prime Minister, but I firmly believe central government support for game-changing projects in our communities are an effective way forward and will be something I continue to press for as local MP.
“In my view, the water sports centre and the George Hotel projects at Stranraer together with the Rocks and Wheels project at Dalbeattie are a perfect match the fund objectives and will really advance the regeneration of the communities.”
Mr Jack also revealed he was disappointed to see his “friend” Mr Johnson ousted and believed “his accomplishments include an impressive record of delivering for Scotland”.
He added: “As for his successor, I’m not going to publicly back any of the leadership candidates, I intend to keep my vote private.
“My message to them is simple: The UK Government’s work in Scotland must be nurtured and accelerated.”
