John Swinney to hold modest Scottish cabinet reshuffle
It is understood the reshuffle will be modest to accommodate for the return of Mairi McAllan, who has been on maternity leave - but there could be a few other changes as Mr Swinney looks to the Scottish Parliament election in 2026.
Ms McAllan's as Net Zero and Energy were covered by Gillian Martin, with Alasdair Allan stepping in as acting minister for climate action.
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Ms McAllan gave birth to her son Somhairle in August and was expected to make a full ministerial return in July, the Scottish Government confirmed.
Senior ministers, including Finance Secretary Shona Robison and Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop confirmed they will stand down next year, leading to suggestions Mr Swinney may want to refresh the cabinet in time for the election.
The reshuffle comes on the same day as Chancellor Rachel Reeves sets out her spending review, which could have significant financial implications for the Scottish Government.
But it also comes after The Herald revealed senior figures in the SNP held a secret meeting on Monday to discuss ousting Mr Swinney as party leader following last week's by-election defeat.
Rebels warns of a 'bloodbath' at conference if there was no movement on independence from senior leadership.
The Herald will keep you up to date as SNP MSPs enter the First Minister's official residence over the course of the day.
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