Exclusive interview with new Clydebank Labour MP

Douglas McAllister was elected last month as part of a landslide victory for Sir Keir Starmer's party which returned to government for the first time since 2010.

The 50-year-old, who was also a defence lawyer for 27 years, has announced he will be stepping away from his two roles within West Dunbartonshire Council over the next few months, citing the "importance" of an MP only having one job.

As a result, a new provost will be selected in due course, with a by-election for the Kilpatrick Ward council seat to follow down the line.

The announcement came as part of a wide-ranging interview with the Post in which he discussed various national and local policies as well as his hopes for the new government over the next five years.

Explaining his decision to step down, McAllister said: "My view is MPs should not have second jobs unless it is in exceptional circumstances such as if they work as a doctor or nurse in the NHS.

(Image: Colin Mearns) "Your one role is to represent your constituents and I can't understand how anyone would have the time to be effective in another position on top of that.

"You are paid very well as an MP and receive much more than the average salary.

"Another job should not be needed in terms of income.

"It has been a pleasure to serve the Kilpatrick Ward for the last 21 years and I have also enjoyed being provost of the council but it is time for someone else to take up these roles."

One of McAllister's first orders of business has been to serve on the Clydebank Town Board as part of the UK Government's Long Term Plans for Towns Initiative. 

(Image: Colin Mearns) It was announced last year that the town will secure roughly £2 million annually for the next decade.

The council will work with the board to develop plans for the use of the funding to adopt a place-centred approach to enhance the town centre.

We previously spoke to Clydebank residents to ask them how they would like to see money spent, with the general consensus being that more is needed for young people in the area.

This is something the new MP firmly agrees with.

"It is clear we need more for children of all ages, as well as families," he said.

"We want our youth to be interested in Clydebank and be encouraged to stay here, as well as West Dunbartonshire in general.

"There is a consensus from the discussions so far that we want to build what has been described as a new heart for Clydebank.

"This would act as a new civic space or square that will need to attract people of all ages.

"We could also do a lot more with our waterfront, adding cafes and restaurants would help encourage people to stay local and invest in our economy." 

READ MORE: Clydebank landmarks to be illuminated in aid of overdose awareness

As well as the development of the town, McAllister was also keen to address the findings of a recent report by the Scottish Government on crime statistics in each council area over the last 12 months.

(Image: Colin Mearns) With 672 crimes committed for every 10,000 people, West Dunbartonshire has the fourth-highest number in Scotland.

Whilst this number is down on last year's figures it has been alarming for many residents within the local authority.

"Every year when I read these numbers it is concerning to me," he said.

"When you look at recorded crime figures, the areas that have the highest levels also have large amounts of deprivation.

"I live here and have brought up a family here, so I am acutely aware of people’s concerns on this issue.

"Locally, Police Scotland is working hard to bring these figures down.

"The driving factor of our new government is to lift people out of poverty.

"That is why we are very clear about raising people’s living standards, their wages and providing people with the job opportunities they need.

"Solving poverty can help combat plenty of other issues in society."

McAllister previously received criticism from the SNP MSP for Clydebank Marie McNair for his decision, along with the majority of Labour MPs, to vote against scrapping the two-child benefit cap.

The cap prevents parents from claiming universal credit or tax credit for their third child.

"We made it clear during the general election that we had no plans immediately to remove the cap," McAllister said.

"So it should not have come as a surprise to people that it was not in our King’s Speech.

"Our ambition is greater than one benefit. Removing the cap is not going to resolve child poverty overnight.

"We have made clear that there will be a fundamental review of the whole universal credit system which will include child benefit and that is what we are going to do."

(Image: Colin Mearns) One thing that was a surprise announcement last month was when chancellor Rachel Reeves made the decision to make the winter fuel payment means-tested.

The Scottish Government has since confirmed it will follow suit and is no longer providing winter fuel payments to all pensioners.

And McAllister admitted he has had a mixed response from constituents on the topic.

"Some people recognise the decision while others are, understandably, concerned at how it might affect them," he added.

"It will be targeted at those who need it most such as people who are in receipt of pension credit or someone who is living with a person that receives that or the equivalent benefit.

"There have been some concerns for people who are right on that bread line, and I hope the UK Government will look at how we can help them."