Jim Murphy has been appointed the new Secretary of State for
Scotland.
Mr Murphy, the MP for Eastwood, was first elected in 1997 and became Minister for Europe in 2007.
This appointment means that Scotland will have a dedicated voice in the Cabinet for the first time since 2003.Jim Murphy said:
“First of all, I have to pay tribute to the part Des Browne played in taking the Scotland Office forward and fighting hard for Scotland throughout his time here.
“It is a privilege to take on the role of Secretary of State for Scotland today. As Scotland’s man in the Cabinet I will represent the interests of Scotland at all times.
“The role offers many challenges and primary among those is continuing to listen to the people of Scotland and making sure their needs, concerns and interests are relayed effectively at the highest level of government and translated into positive action.
“I believe we are best placed to deliver that through the scope and strength of a United Kingdom and the binding threads of its social, economic and cultural life and heritage. There is no doubt we stand stronger together than apart and that our ability to face common challenges is built on the bedrock of our shared values.
“It is also a fact that devolution is working for Scotland, just as it has done over the last decade, and I am determined to maintain and build on the Scotland Office’s role as the guardian of that settlement.
“We are at a pivotal point in Scotland’s history and the return to a dedicated Scottish Secretary role underlines both the Prime Minister and UK Government’s commitment to Scotland’s future.”
Mr Murphy writes a blog here.