Alister Jack: New Scottish Secretary voted Leave and argued no-deal Brexit should be kept on table Despite only being in the House of Commons for two years, Mr Jack has rapidly risen through the Conservative Party ranks

Alister Jack, Scotland’s new representative in Boris Johnson‘s Cabinet, voted for the UK to leave the EU and previously argued that the possibility of a no-deal Brexit should be kept open.

The MP for Dumfries and Galloway replaced David Mundell as Scottish Secretary on Wednesday evening as the new Prime Minister named his top team.

“Although I do not want no deal, I equally understand that we must not weaken our hand” The i politics newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. Alister Jack

Despite only being in the House of Commons for two years after winning his seat at 2017’s snap general election, Mr Jack has rapidly risen through the Conservative Party ranks.

In a statement issued following his appointment, he hit out at the SNP‘s plans for a second referendum on Scottish independence and criticised the Scottish Government’s economic policies.

Although his position as a Tory whip meant he has previously kept a low profile, in December 2017 he told MPs that he had voted Leave alongside more than 1m other Scots.

He said he believed the UK would be better off “taking control of its own destiny and trading with partners around the world” instead of being tied to the “whims and fortunes” of the EU.

Although he has previously voted against a no-deal Brexit, in February this year he said he believed the option should not be ruled out by the Government.

“In business negotiations, one does not take things off the table. For that reason, although I do not want no deal, I equally understand that we must not weaken our hand,” he told MPs.

‘Brexiteer’

Mr Mundell, who was sacked by Mr Johnson after pointedly refusing to back him at any stage of the Tory leadership contest, described Mr Jack as a “Brexiteer” and hinted he may back a no-deal.

He said he had been forced out as the new Prime Minister wanted to “mould a Cabinet in his own shape”, promoting those who would be willing to back a no-deal Brexit.

“He certainly didn’t feel I was maybe as on board with a no-deal Brexit as he would want me to be…I’ve always been clear that a no-deal Brexit isn’t a good outcome,” he told the BBC.

Mr Jack is also a staunch opponent of Scottish independence and following his appointment said he would use his position to “defend the Union against those who would seek to tear it apart”.

In November 2017, he insisted that the independence question had been answered at the previous vote, describing it as “a once in a generation, once in a lifetime opportunity”.

Mr Jack’s view on the issue could prove important, as in order for the Scottish Government to hold a legally binding vote, it needs the UK Government to transfer the necessary powers.

In a letter to Mr Johnson, Nicola Sturgeon said she looked forward to “taking this matter forward” with him after Holyrood returns from its summer recess in September.