![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/three-key-scottish-questions-for-rishi-sunak/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/127383106_sunak_pa.jpg&description=Image source, PA MediaImage caption, Rishi Sunak says he wants to work closely with the Scottish governmentRishi Sunak has signalled that Scotland is on his mind, with a phone call to Nicola Sturgeon on his first day in office.And in his first appearance in the Commons as prime minister, Mr Sunak reiterated that he wanted to work closely with the Scottish government.But while he may be seeking a closer relationship with the first minister than his predecessor Liz Truss - who never got as far as picking up the phone - there are still deep political differences between their governments.Here are three key Scottish questions for the new PM which could define how his new administration is seen north of the border.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The two governments have worked together on freeportsAs chancellor, Mr Sunak helped establish a strategy of making direct investments in local projects across the UK through "levelling up funds".Levelling up was a Boris Johnson-era buzzword, but Mr Sunak has already given a "cast-iron commitment" to continue it - and Michael Gove has been put back in charge of the department.Mr Sunak's talk of leading "the most active UK-wide government in decades" also suggests he is keen to expand the boots and cash on the ground approach in a bid to emphasise to Scots that they have two governments working on their behalf.For all that this is controversial with Scottish ministers, who suspect Holyrood is being cut out of the loop in a "Westminster power grab", it is hard for even SNP-run councils to refuse extra funds.And there are also cross-border projects which involve more cooperation - like the investment zones announced by Ms Truss, which would offer incentives to firms to help business flourish in certain areas.Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney told MSPs that ministers had "engaged in discussion constructively" about setting up some of them north of the border, although he said there were "very sensitive judgements" to be){kind=link}
Rishi Sunak has signalled that Scotland is on his mind, with a phone call to Nicola Sturgeon on his first day in office.
And in his first appearance in the Commons as prime minister, Mr Sunak reiterated that he wanted to work closely with the Scottish government.
But while he may be seeking a closer relationship with the first minister than his predecessor Liz Truss – who never got as far as picking up the phone – there are still deep political differences between their governments.
Here are three key Scottish questions for the new PM which could define how his new administration is seen north of the border.
As chancellor, Mr Sunak helped establish a strategy of making direct investments in local projects across the UK through “levelling up funds”.