Moore named new Scottish Secretary

Published on Sunday 30 May 2010 13:46

Liberal Democrat MP Michael Moore has been named the new Secretary of State for Scotland following the elevation of Danny Alexander to Chief Secretary to the Treasury in the wake of David Laws' resignation.

Mr Moore - the MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk - has taken over from Danny Alexander, who was promoted after less than three weeks as Scottish Secretary.

Mr Laws, MP for Yeovil, resigned after claiming expenses to pay rent to his partner, prompting the minor reshuffle which has seen Mr Alexander promoted.

It is the second Cabinet post for Mr Alexander, MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey.

Mr Moore said: "I am very happy to have been appointed although I obviously wish it had happened under different circumstances.

"David Laws remains an important colleague of mine and I hope to see him return to government before long.

"As secretary of state I want to hear the concerns of Scots across the country and I look forward to getting on with the job."

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott told BBC's The Politics Show: "What has happened last night is now part of political short term history and the Government will strongly move forward.

"Danny Alexander takes David's place in the Treasury and Michael Moore, I'm delighted to say, is the new Scottish Secretary.

"I think what you'll find is a very determined focus this week on the issues that matter to Scotland."

He said Mr Moore takes on the "enormous responsibility as the Scottish Secretary" making sure a "proper constructive relationship" continues between the Westminster and Holyrood governments.

Mr Scott added: "I know Michael's very determined to continue that."

Labour's Willie Bain, MP for Glasgow North, said: "Scotland shouldn't settle for the Tories second choice of Lib Dem as Secretary of State.

"Michael Moore is the Tories' Scottish salesman and now a Scottish Lib Dem MP is at the Treasury presiding over massive and risky cuts to Scottish families and businesses."

The announcements came after days of media speculation over Mr Laws' expenses claims, which saw Mr Laws dramatically admitting he was gay and referring himself to the parliamentary standards commissioner.

According to the Daily Telegraph, between 2004 and 2007, Mr Laws claimed between 700 and 950 a month to sub-let a room in a flat in Kennington, south London, from his secret long-term partner, lobbyist James Lundie.

Mr Lundie sold the flat for a profit of 193,000 in 2007, buying another house nearby for 510,000.

The MP then began claiming to rent the "second bedroom" in this property. His claims increased to 920 a month. The partner also lived at the property. Mr Laws' main home is in his Yeovil constituency.

The arrangement continued until September 2009, when parliamentary records indicate that Mr Laws switched his designated second home and began renting another flat at taxpayers' expense. His partner remained at the Kennington house.

Since 2006, parliamentary rules have banned MPs from "leasing accommodation from a partner".