MEP rejects claim of Tory ‘stitch-up’ over peerage

SCOTLAND’S only Conservative MEP has defended plans to award him a peerage and appoint him to Theresa May’s ministerial team.

Opposition politicians yesterday called the move – revealed in the Scottish Daily Mail – an ‘affront to democracy’ and a ‘stitch-up’.

But Ian Duncan, who will be confirmed as a new member of the House of Lords and as Scotland Office Minister this week, said it would ensure that the ‘best experience is available to the Government’ during the Brexit talks.

It comes a fortnight after he lost out to the SNP’s Pete Wishart in the Perth and North Perthshire seat by only 21 votes.

He has previously worked on issues relating to farming and fisheries in the European Parliament – both expected to be key areas in Brexit talks.

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, Mr Duncan said: ‘I certainly hope that my experience in Brussels will be used to the fullest extent in every possible way.

‘I can confirm there are a lot of discussions going on right now and I hope in the next few days to be able to confirm the outcome of those discussions.’

The appointment will be seen by some as a snub to the 12 new Scottish Tory MPs. Pressed on whether it was right to ‘leapfrog’ them, he said: ‘I would look upon this as a measure of experience and trying to make sure that the best experience is available to the Government.’

Mr Duncan is expected to become Lord Duncan of Springbank when he takes his seat in the House of Lords.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday tweeted: ‘This should not be allowed. Rejected by the voters but installed in government anyway, via the unelected House of Lords.’

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said called the appointment a ‘stitch-up’ and ‘an affront to democracy’.

‘An affront to democracy’