Dumfries and Galloway MP Alister Jack has the same message for whoever becomes the next Prime Minister: the UK government’s work in Scotland must be sped up.
Having been appointed as Scottish Secretary three years ago by outgoing PM Boris Johnson, Mr Jack doesn’t have any allegiances with either Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss.
And just like Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell, he would not be drawn on which candidate he would prefer to become the next country’s leader.
However, Mr Jack said this week: “Both candidates have excellent credentials.
“I have said I was not going to publicly back any of the leadership candidates, but I have discussed their approach to Scotland and how we continue to strengthen the Union.
“My message to the two candidates is simple: The UK Government’s work in Scotland must be nurtured and accelerated.”
Mr Jack took on the Scottish Secretary role after being given a place in the UK government Cabinet by Boris Johnson in July 2019.
Following Johnson’s resignation last month, Mr Jack recently commented: “Perhaps it will be the historians who will make the most accurate assessment of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s contribution in responding to what must be one of the most challenging and turbulent periods in our history for decades.
“Whilst he approaches the end of his current premiership, and having personally had the privilege of serving with him in the Cabinet, I believe there will eventually be greater clarity and focus on his courage, strengths and ability to think outside the box.”
Conservative party members will vote in September on who is to become their next leader, with the victor to be announced on Monday, September 5.
