Tony Blair's Scottish secretary Douglas Alexander appointed minister by Keir Starmer

Former Scottish secretary Douglas Alexander has joined Keir Starmer’s team as business minister.

The veteran politician was elected as the MP for Lothian East on Friday after losing his seat in 2015.

He was a longtime Cabinet member under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, serving in various roles including transport secretary and international development secretary.

He joins former home secretary Jacqui Smith – who was appointed to the House of Lords and given the role of higher education minister – as the Blair and Brown era politicians to join the Labour top team.

It is a huge privilege to be asked to serve and I’m really looking forward to getting down to work… https://t.co/uid9Fw5JZz
— Douglas Alexander (@D_G_Alexander) July 6, 2024

Ian Murray, who at times was Scottish Labour’s sole MP before Labour’s landslide victory, was made Scottish secretary by Starmer.

The Prime Minister appointed his Cabinet on Friday. Angela Rayner becomes deputy prime minister as well as secretary of state of housing, levelling up and communities.

Rachel Reeves was appointed chancellor while David Lammy was made foreign secretary and Yvette Cooper home secretary.

Glasgow-born Pat McFadden, who represents Wolverhampton South East, is the Duchy of Lancaster.