Clydesdale MSP returns to Scottish Government following maternity leave
Mairi McAllan has become housing minister taking over from Paul McLennan.
Clydesdale MSP Mairi McAllan has returned to the Scottish Government following her maternity leave.
Paul McLennan, who had been housing minister, has left the Government at his own request, it was announced, with Ms McAllan, who had previously been net zero and energy secretary, taking on overall responsibility for the portfolio.
With the housing brief now promoted to the Cabinet, Ms McAllan will be tasked with tackling Scotland's housing emergency as well as taking forward changes to ensure homes are more energy efficient - a move which can help bring down bills while also tackling climate change.
Announcing the change, First Minister John Swinney said: 'Mairi McAllan has been tasked with tackling the housing emergency, including ensuring we have energy efficient homes to help bring down bills and tackle the climate emergency.
'These are two of the biggest challenges facing people across the country and I want them to know they have a Government firmly on their side and focused on delivering real change.'
The reshuffle also saw Maree Todd take over as minister for drugs and alcohol policy, a position which had been held by the late Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP Christina McKelvie until her death earlier this year.
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