A failed Tory candidate has taken his seat in the House of Lords so he can serve as a minister.

Party donor Malcolm Offord, who has given more than £147,500 to the Conservatives, unsuccessfully stood for the Scottish Parliament in May.

But the millionaire financier was given a peerage so he could take up a Government role.

He was appointed as a junior minister at the Scotland Office despite failing to be elected for the Lothian region.

The Greens branded it a ‘disgrace’ while the SNP condemned the ‘rampant cronyism’ in the Tory Government at Westminster.

But Scottish Secretary Alister Jack welcomed the appointment, saying he would ‘bring to bear a wealth of valuable business experience’ as the nation recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lord Offord of Garvel wore the traditional scarlet robes for the short introduction ceremony in the upper chamber where he swore the oath of allegiance to the Queen.

The 57-year-old was flanked by supporters and fellow Tory peers Lord Forsyth of Drumlean, the former Scottish secretary, and Lord Kirkham.

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