ANALYSIS
AS far as introductions to government go, Lord Duncan’s has been something of a whirlwind.
Just weeks after losing an election battle in Perth & North Perthshire, the former MEP has found himself at the heart of the Brexit negotiations – but based in London rather than Brussels.
He’s also marked himself out as something of a radical by offering to bring the SNP on board with the talks to leave the EU. In principle, such cross-party working should be seen as a good thing but there is plenty that could go wrong for the new Tory minister.
It is likely that, for fair reason or foul, at least one fairly major falling out will take place between the two governments during the meetings.
That would prove tricky, especially as the SNP would likely exploit such an impasse enthusiastically.
David Mundell’s attempt to claim cash for Scotland from Theresa May when the magic money tree was shaking at the DUP did not end well.
Lord Duncan will need to be more persuasive to make sure his collegiate plan does not come back to haunt him.