 Home was appointed to the new post of Minister of State at the Scottish Office , a middle @-@ ranking position , senior to Under @-@ secretary but junior to James Stuart , the Secretary of State , who was a member of the cabinet . Stuart , previously an influential chief whip , was a confidant of Churchill , and possibly the most powerful Scottish Secretary in any government . Thorpe writes that Home owed his appointment to Stuart 's advocacy rather than to any great enthusiasm on the Prime Minister 's part ( Churchill referred to him as " Home sweet Home " ) . In addition to his ministerial position Home was appointed to membership of the Privy Council , an honour granted only selectively to ministers below cabinet rank . 
