Politican quits ministerial posts
Perthshire politician Ian Duncan has stepped down from two key government positions.
Lord Duncan wrote to the prime minister last week to announce his resignation as a minister for climate change and as a minister in the Northern Ireland office.
He has been the parliamentary under secretary of state for Northern Ireland since October 2017.
In his letter to Boris Johnson, Lord Duncan said: “It has been an exciting time to be in government and there have been many achievements in which I was pleased to play a part, not least delivering same-sex marraige in Northern Ireland, securing pensions for victims of the troubles in Northern Ireland and working toward achieving netzero carbon by 2050. “The majority you secured in December will cement these achievements and provide the foundation upon which to build a better Britain and Northern Ireland, a stronger union, and a sound and sure relationship with other
European neighbours.
“In that endeavour may I wish you every good fortune.”
He also thanked those he had worked with in the two offices, and said the prime minister can count upon his support in the House of Lords.
Lord Duncan, who is a former Conservative MEP, was also appointed parliamentary under secretary of state for the department of business, energy and industrial strategy in July last year.
He has previously served as under secretary of state in both the Scotland office and in Wales.
His resignations come as Boris Johnson made a major reshuffle of his cabinet last week.