Davidson’s group snubbed as English MP given Scots role
BORIS Johnson yesterday overlooked the Scottish Tories by appointing an English MP to the Scotland Office.
The Prime Minister decided to sidestep Ruth Davidson’s group at Westminster just days after sacking her ally David Mundell.
Despite appointing Dumfries and Galloway MP Alister Jack as Scottish Secretary, Mr Johnson opted to put former Brexit minister Robin Walker in as his junior minister. Mr Walker is MP for Worcester, a seat previously held by his late father Lord Peter Walker.
He replaces Lord Duncan of Springbank as Minister for Scotland and Northern Ireland. Lord Duncan has been appointed a business minister and will remain in the Northern Ireland Office.
The appointment of Mr Walker will be viewed as a snub to a number of capable Scottish Conservative MPs such as Andrew Bowie, Stephen Kerr and Colin Clark. Mr Clark, who beat Alex Salmond in the 2017 General Election, was a vocal supporter of Mr Johnson.
It is understood that another Scotland minister will be announced. However, it is not known if they will be a Scottish MP.
Former Scottish Tory leader Baroness Annabel Goldie was also handed a ministerial job yesterday.
Mr Johnson appointed the 69-year-old to the post of Minister of State for Defence.
Baroness Goldie will work with newly appointed Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, covering efficiency, EU relations, including Brexit, and ceremonial duties.
Baroness Goldie led the Scottish Conservatives from 2005 to 2011 and was replaced by Miss Davidson. She was first elected to the Scottish parliament in 1999, representing the West of Scotland and holding on to the seat for 17 years.
In 2013, she was created a life peer, taking the title Baroness Goldie of Bishopton.
She was a solicitor and partner with the Glasgow law firm Donaldson, Alexander, Russell and Haddow between 1978 and 2006.