John Swinney has announced a new Cabinet after being officially sworn-in as First Minister on Wednesday.
The key announcement is the appointment of Kate Forbes as deputy first minister
She had challenged Humza Yousaf for the SNP leadership last year but opted not to stand against Swinney, who had promised her a “significant” role in his government.
Forbes, the youngest ever deputy FM, also takes on the economy portfolio and responsibility for Gaelic.
Elsewhere, there was little movement as Swinney opted to keep cabinet secretaries from Yousaf’s administration in their current roles.
Swinney said he had selected a Cabinet “that blends experience and energy, with a strong focus on the priorities my government will pursue.”
But opposition politicians have been quick to respond, with Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross saying Swinney “has just spent hours reappointing the entire cabinet he inherited (from) Humza Yousaf to the same posts they failed in before”.
Meanwhile, Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “This is a continuity cabinet that cannot be trusted to fix the chaos they have created.”
Here is the make-up of Swinney’s 11-member Cabinet and their responsibilities:
Kate Forbes – Deputy FM, economy and Gaelic
Màiri McAllan – Net zero and energy
ANDY BUCHANAN / Contributor via Getty ImagesFiona Hyslop – Transport
ANDY BUCHANAN / Contributor via Getty ImagesNeil Gray – Health and social care
ANDY BUCHANAN / Contributor via Getty ImagesShona Robison – Finance and local government
ANDY BUCHANAN / Contributor via Getty ImagesJenny Gilruth – Education and skills
Getty ImagesAngela Constance – Justice and home affairs
Getty ImagesShirley-Anne Somerville – Social justice
Getty ImagesMairi Gougeon – Rural affairs, land reform and islands
Google MapsAngus Robertson – Constitution, external affairs and culture
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