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Alister Jack sworn into House of Lords as Lord Jack of Courance

Alister Jack sworn into House of Lords as Lord Jack of Courance

The National12-05-2025

The former Tory Scottish Secretary was nominated for a peerage in former prime minister Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list, alongside former Tory minister Michael Gove.
He served as an MP for Dumfries and Galloway from 2017, and was Scottish Secretary from 2019 until 2024 when he stood down at the general election.
And now, on Monday, Jack was officially introduced to the second chamber, draped in an ermine cloak.
READ MORE: Keir Starmer branded 'pound shop Farage' in immigration crackdown
When he was sworn into the second chamber on Monday afternoon, Jack said: "I, Alister, Lord Jack of Courance, swear by Almighty God that I will bear faithful and true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law, so help me God."
When the honours list was announced, Jack said: 'When I stepped down as an MP at last year's General Election, I was looking forward to new challenges. This opportunity was unexpected, but I welcome the chance to use this platform to speak up on issues I am passionate about.
(Image: House of Lords) 'Whether championing our rural economy or standing up for Scotland's vital role at the heart of the United Kingdom, I will remain a strong voice for Scotland's interests in the House of Lords.'
Sunak's citation said Jack 'worked to ensure that devolution worked better for the people of Scotland and the United Kingdom'.
Previously, SNP deputy leader at Westminster, Pete Wishart, said that honours for Jack and Gove were 'one last slap in the face to the people of Scotland from Rishi Sunak'.
READ MORE: Scottish care sector chief rips into Keir Starmer's immigration plans
He said: 'While Alister Jack and Michael Gove settle into their cushy 'jobs' for life safe, unaccountable to voters, people across Scotland are still suffering the effects of fourteen years of Tory rule.'
Jack previously admitted betting on the date of the 2024 General Election, but claimed he did so without any inside knowledge and did not break any rules.
He was in charge of the Scotland Office when the UK Government blocked Scotland's gender reforms from becoming law, using a Section 35 order to block the legislation.

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