UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reshuffled the UK government following the resignation of his deputy Angela Rayner.
In a surprise move, Lothian East Westminster MP Douglas Alexander has been appointed as the UK government’s Secretary of State for Scotland — after the abrupt sacking of Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray.
Alexander was previously MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South and served as Scottish Secretary in Tony Blair’s UK Labour government.
Murray said: “I am hugely disappointed to be leaving government, with so much done and so much more to do, but I now look forward to spending a little more time with my wife and two beautiful girls, while continuing to serve the wonderful people of Edinburgh South ….
“I wish my former Cabinet colleagues, and those now joining, well. Every single one of them are in politics for the right reasons and are good people who I am certain will do great things for our country.
“Lastly, I will forever be proud of having helped deliver 37 Scottish Labour MPs last year.
“I have always felt a responsibility, having been the sole Scottish Labour MP for so long, to bring on and nurture the next generation of elected politicians and staff. I hope that has left a legacy that will thrive in years to come.”
Alexander said: “I look forward to playing a key role in delivering the UK Government’s Plan for Change by boosting economic growth, putting more money in pockets and making life better for people in Scotland.
“There is a huge amount to be done, and I’m very much looking forward to making sure that Scotland continues to be at the very centre of the government’s work – including on our drive to clean power and ensuring our country’s security.”