FORMER Dumfries and Galloway constituency MP and Secretary of State for Scotland, Sir Alister Jack, has been awarded a life peerage as part of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Resignation List.
Sir Alister, who lives near Dumfries, held ministerial roles under four Conservative Prime Ministers and will take his place in the House of Lords in due course.
Reacting to the news, he said: “I am deeply honoured to be appointed to the House of Lords.
“Serving the people of Dumfries and Galloway at Westminster for seven years and in the UK Cabinet role as Secretary of State for Scotland for five was a tremendous privilege.
“When I stepped down as an MP at last year’s General Election, I was looking forward to new challenges.
“This opportunity was unexpected, but I welcome the chance to use this platform to speak up on issues I am passionate about and aim to make a positive contribution.
“Whether championing our rural economy or standing up for Scotland’s vital role at the heart of the United Kingdom, I plan to be a strong voice for Scotland’s interests in the House of Lords.”
Sir Alister, a farmer and businessman, represented Dumfries and Galloway in the UK Parliament from 2017 to 2024 and served as Secretary of State for Scotland from 2019 to 2024.
He was knighted in the 2024 Dissolution Honours List for political and public service.
His official citation says: “As Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister worked to ensure that devolution worked better for the people of Scotland and the United Kingdom. He oversaw multiple city deals between Scottish cities and the UK and Scottish governments as well as the creation of two freeports in Scotland. He was the first Secretary of State to issue a Section 35 order, in response to the Gender Recognition Reform bill. This constitutionally significant decision was upheld by the Supreme Court.”
