Following the departure of Ian Murray MP for Edinburgh South from Dover House earlier on Friday the Prime Minister has named his successor.
Sir Keir Starmer has chosen Douglas Alexander to become the next Secretary of State for Scotland.
Douglas Alexander, MP for Lothian East, returned to Westminster after the General Election of 2024, after a period away from politics brought about by losing his seat in Paisley and Renfrewshire South in 2015 to Mhairi Black. During his time away from politics he became Previously he served as Scottish Secretary from May 2006.
Alexander was born in Glasgow, the son of a minister and a doctor. He joined the Labour party while still at school. He qualified as a Scottish solicitor after studying law at the University of Edinburgh, and served as a member of the University Court until 2024. Among many other positions he served as a visiting professor at King’s College London. Although he has attained a new position in the cabinet he was involved in the 2009 MPs’ expenses claiming more than £12,000 in expenses which related to his second home.
Following his appointment today by the Prime Minister as Secretary of State for Scotland, Douglas Alexander said: “It’s a real honour to have been appointed Secretary of State for Scotland by Sir Keir Starmer. 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.”
