Dumfries and Galloway MP Alister Jack may be in line for a peerage.
Newspaper reports suggest he could be on his way to the House of Lords as part of Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list.
Rival politicians believe that, if the peerage is confirmed, Mr Jack should resign as MP to take up the post and trigger a by-election, rather than hold his seat until the next election – which has to be held by January 2025.
Mr Jack, a staunch supporter of Mr Johnson, was elected an MP in 2017 and appointed Scottish Secretary by the Prime Minister in 2019. He continued in the role during Liz Truss’ brief tenure and still holds the post under Rishi Sunak.
Mr Jack’s spokesman said: “We cannot comment on speculation about peerages.
“Alister Jack is absolutely committed to representing his constituents and working with the Prime Minister to continue to deliver for people in Scotland.”
South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth called on Mr Jack to “do the decent thing and go now”.
He said: “At a time local families are struggling, the last thing we need is a part-time MP with one eye on the exit door.”
South Scotland SNP MSP Emma Harper added: “If Alister Jack wants to pop off to the archaic unelected House of Lords he should stand down now and call a by-election so voters in Dumfries and Galloway can have a say. Voters deserve better than a baron-in-waiting.
