Tackling the housing emergency will be at the heart of the
Scottish Cabinet, First Minister has announced.
Màiri McAllan has been appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Housing
upon her return to government from maternity leave. Ms McAllan
has responsibility for all aspects of housing policy, including
heat in buildings.
This appointment will ensure government action is focused on
tackling the housing emergency and providing energy efficient
homes for the future – helping stimulate economic growth, deliver
Net Zero commitments and tackle child poverty.
has been appointed as
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, having held the
portfolio during Ms McAllan's maternity leave.
Following the death of Christina McKelvie in March, will become Minister for Drugs
and Alcohol Policy, while retaining her existing responsibility
for Sport. has been appointed as Minister
for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing.
Housing Minister has requested to leave the
Scottish Government and he does so today. Acting Minister for
Climate Action will leave Government at the
end of this week, having indicated that he only wished to serve
on an interim basis.
Excluding the Law Officers, the overall size of government
reduces to 23, down from 27 in May 2024.
First Minister said:
“Scotland's strengths lie in our people, our communities and our
resolve to leave a better future, and better country for the next
generation. As First Minister, I am firmly focused on leading a
government that unlocks the potential for every person in
Scotland to thrive.
“I have made changes to the Cabinet which will further enable us
to realise that potential. Màiri McAllan has been tasked with
tackling the housing emergency, including ensuring we have energy
efficient homes to help bring down bills and tackle the climate
emergency. These are two of the biggest challenges facing people
across the country and I want them to know they have a government
firmly on their side and focused on delivering real change.
“Following the sad passing of Christina McKelvie, I have asked
to take on responsibility for
Drugs and Alcohol Policy. This government has shown it is not
afraid to take bold measures to prevent harm and death, and we
must redouble our efforts.
“I want to thank and for the service they have
provided to me, the government and to the people of Scotland.
They both held two very important Ministerial appointments in
housing and climate action and have helped to drive forward
progress in tackling two issues which are central to Scotland's
long-term success as a nation.”
Background
The changes mean the Scottish Cabinet now consists of twelve, the
majority of whom are women. Further changes mean the Ministerial
team reduces to eleven, from fourteen.
The Scottish Cabinet is as follows:
- First Minister
- Deputy First Minister, with responsibility for Economy and
Gaelic,
- Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government
- Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
- Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs
- Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice
- Cabinet Secretary for Transport
- Cabinet Secretary for Housing Màiri McAllan
- Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy
- Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands
- Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
- Cabinet Secretary for Constitution External Affairs and
Culture
Màiri McAllan has been on maternity since 1 July 2024. was acting Cabinet
Secretary Net Zero and Energy, with temporarily assuming
responsibility for Climate Action. Màiri McAllan maternity cover -
gov.scot
Christina McKelvie, Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy, passed
away in March 2025. First Minister pays tribute to
Christina McKelvie MSP - gov.scot
was previously Minister for
Employment and Investment. His investment responsibilities will
be assumed by Deputy First Minister , while Richard Lochhead's
extended responsibilities see him become Minister for Business
and Employment.
has left government today.
will leave his post at end
of this week.
