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Edinburgh Reporter
2 days ago
- Politics
- Edinburgh Reporter
Scottish Cabinet reduced in reshuffle
John Swinney has as expected reshuffled his cabinet today. Màiri McAllan has been appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Housing upon her return to government from maternity leave. Ms McAllan has responsibility for all aspects of housing policy, including heat in buildings. The government says this appointment will ensure government action is focused on tackling the housing emergency and providing energy efficient homes for the future – helping stimulate economic growth, deliver Net Zero commitments and tackle child poverty. Gillian Martin has been appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, having held the portfolio during Ms McAllan's maternity leave. After the sad death of Christina McKelvie in March, Maree Todd will become Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy, while retaining her existing responsibility for Sport. Tom Arthur has been appointed as Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing. According to the First Minister, Housing Minister Paul McLennan has requested to leave The Scottish Government and he does so today. Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan will leave Government at the end of this week, having indicated that he only wished to serve on an interim basis. Excluding the Law Officers, the overall size of government reduces to 23, down from 27 in May 2024. First Minister John Swinney said: 'Scotland's strengths lie in our people, our communities and our resolve to leave a better future, and better country for the next generation. As First Minister, I am firmly focused on leading a government that unlocks the potential for every person in Scotland to thrive. 'I have made changes to the Cabinet which will further enable us to realise that potential. Màiri 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. 'Following the sad passing of Christina McKelvie, I have asked Maree Todd to take on responsibility for Drugs and Alcohol Policy. This government has shown it is not afraid to take bold measures to prevent harm and death, and we must redouble our efforts. 'I want to thank Paul McLennan and Alasdair Allan for the service they have provided to me, the government and to the people of Scotland. They both held two very important Ministerial appointments in housing and climate action and have helped to drive forward progress in tackling two issues which are central to Scotland's long-term success as a nation.' Bute House Charlotte Square Like this: Like Related
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
John Swinney announces new Scottish Cabinet ministers
With a largely unchanged team, the "minimalist" reshuffle comes after the SNP's loss to Labour in the Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse by-election. Despite the by-election loss and internal splits, the party continues to lead in the polls ahead of next year's election, with Swinney saying the Government must 'deliver on the priorities of the people of Scotland'. Future leadership contenders such as Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and McAllan were seen entering Bute House on Tuesday morning. McAllan has returned from maternity leave, and a new Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister has been appointed following the death of Christina McKelvie. Paul McLennan has left government as his ministerial role is developed into a cabinet role, and Alasdair Allan will leave his post at end of this week after assuming the temporary role of climate action. See the full Cabinet here: Here is the full list of who holds which Cabinet position in the new SNP minority government: Kate Forbes, the youngest-ever Deputy First Minister, will remain with the economy portfolio and responsibility for Gaelic Shona Robison remains in Cabinet with responsibility for finance and local government Jenny Gilruth remains Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Angela Constance remains Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Gillian Martin remains in Cabinet with responsibility for Net Zero and Energy portfolio Fiona Hyslop remains Cabinet Secretary for Transport Mairi McAllan returns in a new role, Cabinet Secretary for Housing Neil Gray remains Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Shirley-Anne Somerville remains Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Angus Robertson remains Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Mairi Gougeon remains Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands The changes mean the Scottish Cabinet now consists of twelve MSPs, including the First Minister, the majority of whom are women. Further changes mean the ministerial team reduces to eleven, from fourteen. Here's the full list of junior ministers in the SNP minority government: Minister for Parliamentary Business – Jamie Hepburn Minister for Business and Employment – Richard Lochhead Minister for Public Finance – Ivan McKee Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise – Natalie Don Minister for Higher and Further Education and Minister for Veterans – Graeme Dey Minister for Victims and Community Safety – Siobhian Brown Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity – Jim Fairlie Minister for Public Health and Women's Health – Jenni Minto Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport – Tom Arthur Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy – Maree Todd Minister for Equalities – Kaukab Stewart Arthur was previously minister for employment and investment. His investment responsibilities will be assumed by Forbes, while Lochhead's extended responsibilities see him become Minister for Business and Employment. The reshuffle comes amid discontent within the party which was sparked by the party's underwhelming by-election result in Hamilton last week. A reported meeting of 25 senior SNP figures took place on Monday night where the removal of Swinney as party leader was discussed.
