Duncan appointed Scottish Tory chairman

Wednesday, 13 October 2004 12:00 AM

Peter Duncan, the Conservative Party's only MP north of the border, has been appointed chairman of the party in Scotland.

Mr Duncan replaces David Mitchell, who will continue his parliamentary role of Shadow Scottish Secretary of State. Mr Mitchell indicated that he was retiring from the job for personal reasons, saying: "I will shortly be moving house, and as I have intimated to Michael the day-to-day commuting from Ayrshire to run the office in Princes Street would have been a little too much."

Commenting on the appointment, Conservative Leader Michael Howard, said: "Peter has shown the way back for the Party north of the border, and I will look to him to continue the Scottish Tories' progress. Together with David McLetchie he will drive forward our Party organisation and the timetable for action in government that will deliver for the people of Scotland."

Mr Duncan won the seat for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale in the 2001 general election from the Scottish National Party.

Mr Duncan said it was an honour to have been appointed chairman by leader Michael Howard.

"In the run-up to the general election, it is a challenge which I look forward to with great anticipation.

"We have all enjoyed and learnt from David Mitchell's good sense, judgement and wit, and I am sure he will continue to contribute to the party."

Scottish Conservative leader, David McLetchie, said Mr Mitchell had made "an enormous contribution" to the revival of the Scottish Conservative Party.

"Peter Duncan has already proved himself to be an outstanding campaigner at local level by winning Galloway and Upper Nithsdale at the last general election, and as chairman he will bring these skills to the task of winning more seats for the Conservatives in Scotland at the next general election," he added.

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