Unleashing Scotland’s renewable potential and building Scotland’s
economy will be overseen by a single portfolio headed by Màiri
McAllan as Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and
Energy.
Setting out portfolio changes to the Scottish Government, First
Minister has appointed as Cabinet Secretary for NHS
Recovery, Health and Social Care, while Transport becomes a
standalone portfolio at Cabinet level, with as Cabinet Secretary.
The reshaped Cabinet of ten – the same number as before – will
include seven women, believed to be the highest proportion of any
government in the world.
becomes the first Woman of
Colour to enter the Scottish Government as Minister for Culture,
Europe and International Development, in place of , who has been appointed
as Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy.
will also join the government
as Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity.
Parliament will be asked to approve the new appointments of
, and after recess.
The First Minister said:
“The new, green economy is a massive economic opportunity for
Scotland. If we grasp it, we can help the world tackle climate
change while delivering well-paid jobs and sustainable growth in
Scotland for generations to come. That’s why we will now bring
these two portfolios together, and Màiri McAllan is the right
person to drive it forward.
“As Economy Secretary, has been widely praised for
resetting the relationship with business. Now at the helm of the
NHS – our most precious institution – and social care, Neil will
be charged with continuing its recovery from Covid, driving down
waiting times, and reforming the service to improve outcomes for
patients.
“I am elevating Transport to a Cabinet level post in its own
right, given the importance of the issues within this portfolio.
is one of the most experienced
and accomplished ministers in government. I am deeply proud of
the fact this means Cabinet will become world-leading with seven
out of ten women in it.
“I am proud to bring the first ever Woman of Colour into
government in Scotland – I believe another sign of the progress
we are making as a nation, with the appointment of as Minister for Culture,
Europe and International Development. Kaukab takes this role on
from , who will now report
directly to me as Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy.
“And I am delighted to welcome to government, who brings a
wealth of business and rural knowledge to his new role as
Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity.
“These new appointments reflect this government’s priorities and
the missions that drive them – equality, opportunity and
community – and I look forward to working with them as we
continue to deliver for the people of Scotland.”
Background
will be Cabinet
Secretary-designate and and Ministers-designate until
their appointments are formally agreed to by Parliament and
approved by His Majesty King Charles III.
resigned as Cabinet
Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care.
