Dumfries and Galloway MP Alister Jack attended his first cabinet meeting yesterday as the new Secretary of State for Scotland.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson handed him the job after sacking Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell.
Mr Jack pledged support for the new PM’s policy that the UK will leave the European Union by October 31 “come what may”.
The “honoured” new minister said: “We need to leave the EU in a way which works for Scotland and the whole of the UK.
“We can, and will, leave the EU, and in doing so open up new opportunities for Scottish businesses.
“We need to continue to defend the Union against those who would seek to tear it apart.
“In 2014, the people of Scotland voted to remain part of a strong United Kingdom.
“We will stand up for their decision against those who would try to impose unwanted and divisive constitutional change.”
Mr Jack, 56, added: “There are challenges ahead of us, but I am confident that we will meet them successfully, building a path to a more prosperous country.”
The Standard asked Mr Mundell if his refusal to sign up to Mr Johnson’s October 31 Brexit policy prompted his dismissal.
Mr Mundell said: “That was not explicit.
“I had a perfectly amicable conversation with Mr Johnson in which he made clear that he wanted to mould his own cabinet with his own people.
“I respect that.
“There was no request to sign anything, but I did tell him that I see my job as an MP to be to hold to him to account on his commitments to the Union.
“Yes, I was willing to compromise and work with him despite my well documented differences with him in the past.
“I don’t think compromise is a dirty word despite the inevitable criticism from the usual suspects.
“If we had more compromise and less politicking on Brexit, it would have been resolved by now.”
He added: “Obviously I am disappointed to be leaving the Scotland Office after nine years but I am sure Alister Jack will make an excellent Secretary of State and he has my full support.”
South of Scotland MSP Emma Harper congratulated Mr Jack and highlighted immigration as key.
She said: “I look forward to working with the Secretary of State to assist more families who choose to live here, work here and remain here in Scotland.”
