Danny Alexander has revealed “the best legacy” of his time in government would be the sign-off of the Aberdeen and Inverness City Deals.
The former chief secretary to the Treasury, who is to be knighted for political and public service, described as “painful” the process of watching the Conservatives pull apart many of the policies he set in motion.
Writing exclusively in today’s Press and Journal, he insisted the north of Scotland was the “real northern powerhouse” and that the deals would allow the area to unlock its potential.
The former Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP – who was toppled by the SNP’s Drew Hendry at the general election – said: “Leaving office is painful, and all the more so in my case because some of the good policies I’d set in train are being dismantled by the Tories.
“One that has survived – so far – is the proposal for City Deals for Aberdeen and Inverness.
“While progress appears slow from the outside, I hope that what will result are significant programmes of investment for both cities and much greater freedom to shape their own destinies.
“The north is where Scotland’s true economic potential lies – but we need the freedom to unlock it for ourselves.”
Mr Alexander, who turned down a peerage, expressed his gratitude for the many letters of support and congratulation he had received from people since May.
But he added: “For me the best legacy would be to get these deals done so that Britain’s real northern powerhouse gets the change of gear we need.”
Earlier this week, Scottish Secretary David Mundell raised hopes that the north-east’s £2.9billion City Deal could be signed-off before the end of the year.
The Conservative minister revealed that he had been “impressed” by the proposals put forward by Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councils and that he was “optimistic” they would win approval.
The two local authorities submitted their “statement of intent” for the lucrative package last month.
They hope the City Deal will secure investment in the north to provide long-term economic vitality and anchor oil and gas sector skills in the region for decades to come.
Money will also be spent revamping infrastructure and retaining a skilled workforce.
To date, Glasgow is the only area in Scotland to have secured a City Deal.