Swinney announces new cabinet

New first minister John Swinney has announced his cabinet, with Kate Forbes becoming the youngest ever deputy first minister.

Forbes, who was defeated by Humza Yousaf in the previous leadership contest, will also take on the economy portfolio and responsibility for Gaelic.

The new cabinet will consist of 11 cabinet secretaries, supported by 14 ministers, reducing the size of the government by four since the start of the year.

Shona Robison, who previously held the role of deputy first minister, will remain 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; Màiri McAllan remains in cabinet with responsibility for net zero and energy; and Fiona Hyslop remains cabinet secretary for transport.

At the same time, 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; and Mairi Gougeon remains cabinet secretary for rural affairs, land reform and islands.

The First Minister said: “Ahead of my appointment as First Minister, I committed to working collaboratively across the Parliament to address the pressing issues facing the people of Scotland.

“With that in mind, I have selected a Cabinet team that blends experience and energy, with a strong focus on the priorities my Government will pursue – eradicating child poverty, driving economic growth, meeting climate obligations and investing in our vital public services.

“My overriding priority will be to work to eradicate child poverty in Scotland, an issue on which real progress has been made through measures such as the Scottish Child Payment. The Government I lead will maximise every lever at our disposal to tackle the scourge of poverty in our country.

“A strong economy supports the delivery of services on which people depend – health, education, housing, and transport – and so each of these areas are aligned to distinct roles in my Cabinet, with a focus on ensuring people see their lives improve as a result of the actions of their Scottish Government.

“I believe that Scotland’s future is best served as an independent country – but I recognise more people need to be convinced of that before independence can be achieved. My Cabinet will also focus efforts on reaching out to those who remain unconvinced, with respect and courtesy, to ensure that the people of Scotland have the democratic right to choose their own future.”