MP for Lothian East
Secretary of State for Scotland
“A loyal, long‑standing minister with a broad cabinet career, currently serving as Scotland Secretary.”
Douglas Alexander is a Labour (Co-op) MP for Lothian East, first elected in 2024. He has had a long parliamentary career with senior government and shadow roles, including former and current posts as Secretary of State for Scotland, and he is currently serving as Secretary of State for Scotland (since 5 September 2025).
He shows 100% party loyalty with no rebel votes, though his voting attendance is significantly below the party average. On policy, he has a mixed record on Universal Credit, generally backs workers’ rights protections and trade union powers, and supports climate change measures, while tending to vote against expanding mental health services, harsher prison sentencing, transgender rights, and renter protections. His votes on VAT changes and bus services regulation are mixed.
Declared four financial interests: two entries relating to land and property (domestic or international) and two miscellaneous entries.
Generated 21 February 2026
How this MP participates in parliamentary votes. These numbers describe activity, not effectiveness.
How often this MP votes
Labour (Co-op) average: 33%
The percentage of parliamentary votes (divisions) this MP participated in. MPs may miss votes for legitimate reasons including ministerial duties, constituency work, or illness.
How often this MP votes with their party
Labour (Co-op) average: 99%
Estimated from voting record, not self-declared. This is a simplified model — real politics is more complex than a single axis.
15 positions
Secretary of State for Scotland
Since Sept 2025
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
Feb 2025 - Sept 2025
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Jul 2024 - Sept 2025
Shadow Foreign Secretary
Jan 2011 - Mar 2015
Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Oct 2010 - Jan 2011
Shadow Secretary of State for International Development
May 2010 - Oct 2010
Secretary of State for International Development
Jun 2007 - May 2010
Figures include only interests with declared monetary values from the Register of Members' Financial Interests. Some categories (e.g. hospitality, overseas visits) may not have monetary values recorded, so the total may not reflect all declared interests.
Opposition Day Motion: Defence
NONational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 6
AYENational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 5
AYENational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 3
AYENational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 2
AYENational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 1
AYENational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
Courts and Tribunals Bill: Second Reading
AYECourts and Tribunals Bill
Courts and Tribunals Bill: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
NOCourts and Tribunals Bill
Secretary of State for Scotland
Government role · 5 Sept 2025
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
Government role · 10 Feb 2025
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Government role · 6 Jul 2024
Shadow Foreign Secretary
Opposition role · 20 Jan 2011
Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Opposition role · 8 Oct 2010
Shadow Secretary of State for International Development
Opposition role · 12 May 2010
Secretary of State for International Development
Government role · 28 Jun 2007
The percentage of votes where this MP voted the same way as the majority of their party. High loyalty is typical; most MPs vote with their party on most issues.
Rebel votes
Times this MP voted differently from the majority of their party. This can reflect independent judgement, but context matters — some rebel votes are on procedural matters, others on major policy.
