First Minister has outlined new
appointments to the Scottish Government and cabinet.
Following her delivery of the Scottish Budget, has been nominated as Cabinet
Secretary for Finance, while will build on a hugely
successful period as External Affairs Secretary by taking
responsibility for the economy as Cabinet Secretary for Economy,
Fair Work and Culture.
As the process of Brexit, and the discussion on Scotland’s
constitutional future move into a new phase, Michael Russell’s
responsibilities will be expanded as Cabinet Secretary for the
Constitution, Europe and External Affairs.
will take on responsibility
for tourism as Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism.
has been nominated to join
the Government as Minister for Europe and International
Development, where she will support .
Ben Macpherson will move to join the Finance team as Minister for
Public Finance and Migration – where they will continue to make
the strong economic and social case for a distinct migration
policy for Scotland.
Mr Macpherson will also work on issues around green and climate
finance, to help ensure all of Scotland can deliver on our target
of ending our contribution to climate change. He will also be
tasked with ensuring that wellbeing sits at the heart of the
budget process.
The First Minister will propose the appointment of to Cabinet and of as a Minister to the
Scottish Parliament tomorrow (Tuesday).
Unveiling her new cabinet and government appointments, First
Minister said:
“These appointments bring new talent into government and deliver
a real focus, not only on driving forward our economy, but also
on addressing the challenges of Brexit, increasing our population
and ending Scotland’s contribution to the climate crisis.
“I am pleased to make these appointments and - in particular - to
be able to put Scotland’s finances and Scotland’s economy into
the hands of two incredibly talented colleagues.
“Fiona Hyslop has been an outstanding Cabinet Secretary,
delivering a successful expansion of Scotland’s overseas presence
and recognition, supporting our booming tourism industry and
demonstrating the huge importance of culture - not just to our
economy, but more importantly to who we are and how we see
ourselves.
“I know she will bring that drive, passion and sharp focus to
Scotland’s economy. Working alongside as the Cabinet Secretary for
Finance, she will continue to drive forward our economy, support
our key industries and maintain Scotland’s long tradition as an
outward-looking, dynamic and enterprising nation.
“Ben Macpherson will continue to make the case for Scotland to
have a distinct migration system in order to meet our economic,
social and financial needs – and as Public Finance Minister will
also take the lead on identifying ways to fund climate action,
and he will work across government to build a wellbeing economy.
“Jenny Gilruth will join government for the first time – having
proven herself as a talented and hard-working MSP – and takes on
the role of Minister for Europe and International Development.
She will have the important task of promoting Scotland, building
new links in a post-Brexit environment and delivering on our
global responsibilities – and I know she is more than up to that
challenge.”
New Appointments
•Cabinet Secretary for Finance – (who also retains her current
responsibility for the Digital Economy)
•Public Finance and Migration – Ben Macpherson
•Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Fair Work and Culture –
•Minister for Europe and International Development –
New Responsibilities
•Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External
Affairs –
•Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism –
