The Transport portfolio will be restored as a Cabinet position as
First Minister changed Màiri McAllan’s
Cabinet Secretary remit to ‘Transport, Net Zero and Just
Transition’.
Alongside this change, experienced former Cabinet Secretary
re-joins government as the new
Minister for Transport. The range of experience Ms Hyslop brings
to the role extends across the era of the Scottish Parliament,
having held multiple ministerial roles, including responsibility
for the economy.
The move will see Ms McAllan take a greater day-to-day role in
the transport brief. Responsibility for the Green Economy will
move from Ms McAllan to , who will report to her
for these issues, freeing Ms McAllan to take on a greater role in
transport. Mr Lochhead’s new title will be Minister for
Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade.
In addition, the First Minster has also amended the role of
, adding responsibilities to
her remit and changing her title to ‘Minister for Energy and the
Environment’. She will report jointly to the Cabinet Secretary
for the Wellbeing Economy and to the Cabinet Secretary for Rural
Affairs, Land Reform and Islands.
Subject to agreement by Parliament and approval of His Majesty
The King Ms Hyslop will, on appointment will be reporting to the
revamped Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just
Transition.
The First Minister said:
“I am pleased to announce that I am strengthening the ministerial
team on transport.
“I have taken two steps: first, by changing Màiri McAllan’s
remit, I am freeing her to take a direct day-to-day role in
transport, effectively bringing transport explicitly back into
Cabinet.
“Second, I am bringing one of the most experienced politicians in
the Scottish Parliament – – into the role of Minister
for Transport. Her return to government means she can bring her
decades of experience across government to bear on the challenges
that exist, not least around ferry services.
“Finally, I am using this opportunity to also bring some extra
support to the rural portfolio by expanding Gillian Martin’s
role, and ensuring that Richard Lochhead’s title reflects his
responsibilities supporting business across Scotland. This will
ensure that the significant policy plans of this Government can
be pursued with vigour.”
