Ex-Paisley MP Douglas takes top Scots role

A former Renfrewshire school boy and Labour Party veteran has become Secretary of State for Scotland due to the recent UK government reshuffle.

- EMYLIE HOWIE

Douglas Alexander replaces Ian Murray - Scottish Labour's longest serving MP and a close ally of the party’s Scottish leader Anas Sarwar.

Alexander was MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South from 1997 until 2015 when he lost his seat in a shocking defeat to the then 20-year-old Mhairi Black.

He was reelected in Lothian East last year.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reshuffled his team following the resignation of his deputy Angela Rayner.

Alexander has described his reappointment as Scottish Secretary, almost 20 years on from his first time in the role, as a “real honour”.

In a statement following his appointment, the former Park Mains High School student said: “There is a huge amount to be done”

He added: “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.”