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 Douglas Alexander MP
Douglas Alexander was appointed Secretary of State for Scotland on 5 September 2025.
He previously Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade between 6 July 2024 and 5 September 2025, and Minister of State in the Cabinet Office between 10 February 2025 and 5 September 2025.
He was elected as the MP for Lothian East in July 2024.
Previous holders of this role
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The Rt Hon Ian Murray MP
2024 to 2025
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The Rt Hon Alister Jack
2019 to 2024
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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