The Scottish Secretary has moved to rebrand the Conservatives as “the party of devolution” as he dangled the prospect of a City Deal in front of Dundee.
David Mundell told delegates at the Tory conference in Manchester promises to shift more powers to Holyrood were being delivered but he wanted there to be more responsibility given to local councils and regions.
The Conservatives opposed devolution and the creation of the Scottish Parliament when it was proposed by Labour in the late 1990s.
Mr Mundell said: “The new powers coming to Scotland were the result of careful thought and preparation.
“Many of the ideas originated in our own party’s Strathclyde Commission report.
“The Scottish Conservatives are now the party of devolution in Scotland, as we are the party of devolution across the UK.”
A City Deal for Glasgow will bring £1bn investment to the west of Scotland, with further bids having been made by Edinburgh, which includes help for Fife, and Aberdeen.
Dundee City Council has expressed an interest and The Courier understands council leaders in Angus have discussed the possibility of a joint venture.
The Cabinet Secretary added: “Real devolution does not mean hoarding power in Edinburgh it means empowering local communities.
“Like we are doing with City Deals. We have already delivered one for Glasgow.
“Now Aberdeen, Inverness, Dundee and Edinburgh have set out down the road to greater devolution too and I welcome that.”
Mr Mundell also reiterated his desire to devolve control over income tax rates and bands to the Scottish Parliament by 2017.