has been appointed Deputy
First Minister by First Minister .
She described it as “the greatest honour of my life” as she
accepted the role.
Ms Gilruth will support the First Minister in ensuring the
Scottish Government delivers on the priorities of the people of
Scotland.
Her Cabinet portfolio will be confirmed in due course.
The First Minister said:
“Jenny Gilruth has already shown she can deliver for the people
of Scotland, not least in averting damaging teachers strikes
earlier this year.
“Now, as my government takes on the emphatic mandate we were
given by the people, she will play a central role in making sure
we deliver on people's priorities.
“This will be a Scottish Government working for Scotland.
We have pledged that we will support people with the cost of
living, ensure easier access to the NHS and deliver a fresh start
with independence. That is exactly what we will do,
and I am pleased that Jenny will bring her drive and
determination to that task.”
Deputy First Minister said:
“Being asked to serve as John Swinney's Deputy First Minister is
the greatest honour of my life.
“We are coming into government refreshed by the faith people have
placed in us and determined to deliver on the job they have asked
us to do – supporting people through the cost of living crisis,
giving people easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh
start with independence.
“That is our task and it is one I will dedicate myself to
delivering as Deputy First Minister, in a Scottish Government
working for Scotland.”
Background
Brought up and educated in Fife, is a graduate of Glasgow
University, where she studied Politics and Sociology, and of
Strathclyde University where she studied for her Postgraduate in
Secondary Education (Modern Studies).
Prior to being elected in 2016, Jenny worked a decade in
education, including as a Head of Department in a Fife secondary
school.
Ms Gilruth was elected to represent the Mid Fife and Glenrothes
Constituency at the 2016 election.
She was previously the Minister for Europe and International
Development and Minister for Culture, Europe and International
Development. She was appointed Minister for Transport in January
2022 and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills in March
2023.
