Dunlop's first political job was as head of research for the
Scottish Conservative Party from 1981 until 1984. He then joined the
Conservative Research Department, first holding the Trade and Industry brief before becoming head of the political section. He served as a
special adviser to the
Defence Secretary, then
George Younger, in
Margaret Thatcher's
cabinet. Dunlop worked at
10 Downing Street under
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Margaret Thatcher. He covered a range of policy areas during his stint in the No 10 Policy Unit including
Scotland (a key policy development was the establishment of
Scottish Enterprise),
UK Defence procurement,
employment and
training policy. In 2012, Dunlop was appointed chief adviser to
Prime Minister David Cameron. He played a key role in devising the
British Government's response to the
Scottish Independence campaign. Dunlop previously served as a
Horsham District Councillor representing
Cowfold,
Shermanbury and
West Grinstead Ward. Appointed
Minister for Scotland on 26 May 2015 by
David Cameron, he was created by
Letters Patent as
Baron Dunlop, of Helensburgh in the County of Dunbarton, being introduced to the
House of Lords on 28 May 2015. During his term as a minister for Scotland, Dunlop was tasked with promoting Scottish trade and investment, as well as the unofficial title of "Minister for
Dundee", being tasked with promoting the regeneration of the city. In 2019 Prime Minister
Theresa May set up the Dunlop Review, a report led by Dunlop that said that a cabinet position for "intergovernmental and constitutional affairs" should be created to strengthen the Union. ==PR career==