Secretary of State for Scotland
Responsibilities
The Secretary of State for Scotland is the UK Government Cabinet Minister representing Scotland. They act as the custodian of the Scottish devolution settlement, represent Scottish interests within the UK Government, and advocate for the UK Government’s policies in Scotland.
They also promote partnership between the UK Government and the Scottish Government, as well as relations between the UK and Scottish Parliaments.
Current role holder
The Rt Hon Alister Jack MP
Alister Jack was appointed Secretary of State for Scotland on 24 July 2019. He was previously Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury and a Government Whip.
He was elected Scottish Conservative MP for Dumfries and Galloway in June 2017.
Background
Alister was born in Dumfries and educated at Dalbeattie Primary School, Crawfordton House and Glenalmond College before attending Herriot-Watt University.
Political career
Since his election as an MP, Alister has been a member of the Treasury Select Committee, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Leader of the House of Lords, Assistant Government Whip, and Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury.
Career outside politics
As a businessman, Alister founded successful tent hire and self-storage companies. He farms, mostly dairy, near Dumfries and grows Christmas trees.
Alister is a member of the Queen’s Bodyguard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers.
He is a former Deputy Lieutenant for Dumfries and former Chairman of the River Annan and District Salmon Fishery Board, The River Annan Trust, Fisheries Management Scotland and Wildlife Estates Scotland.
Personal life
Alister lives near Dumfries with his wife Ann. They have three grown up children.
Previous holders of this role
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The Rt Hon David Mundell MP
2015 to 2019
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The Rt Hon Alistair Carmichael MP
2013 to 2015
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The Rt Hon Michael Moore
2010 to 2013