FM: “Government will be focused on people's priorities.”
First Minister of Scotland has
appointed his new Cabinet, unveiling a streamlined team
of Cabinet Secretaries to deliver on the things that matter most
to the people of Scotland.
Comprising eight Cabinet Secretaries, including the Deputy
First Minister, the First Minister has
said his Cabinet will focus on the priorities of the
people, including supporting people through the cost of
living crisis, ensuring easier access to the NHS and delivering a
fresh start with independence.
The focused and streamlined Cabinet will include the first ever
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform, who will lead
cross-government work to ensure public services are responsive to
the needs of the people of Scotland.
Responsibility for independence and the constitution will now sit
directly with the First Minister.
The Cabinet, which is made up of a majority of women, consists
of:
- Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and
Local Government
- Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform
- Cabinet Secretary for Justice
- Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care
- Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs
- Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Máiri
McAllan
- Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing
- Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport
First Minister said:
“I am immensely proud to appoint this Cabinet with the
experience, energy and drive to deliver on the mandate given to
us by the people of Scotland. This will be a Scottish
Government working for Scotland.
“As a leaner, more agile government, our full focus will be on
delivering on the things that matter most to the people of
Scotland, including supporting people with the cost of living
crisis, ensuring easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh
start with independence.
“This new team will hit the ground running, delivering major
progress on our priorities within the first 100 days, before
continuing to deliver on the emphatic mandate given to us by the
people of Scotland.
“This team of Cabinet Secretaries will bring experience, drive
and a determination to deliver for Scotland – and this government
will work harder than ever to repay the trust that people have
placed in us.”
Background
Excluding Law Officers, the new Cabinet of nine, including the
First Minister, is down from twelve before the election.
Individuals who are newly appointed to Cabinet will be Cabinet
Secretaries-designate until their appointment is formally agreed
to by Parliament and approved by His Majesty King Charles
III.
Other ministerial appointments will be announced in due
course.
Parliament will be asked to approve the new Cabinet
appointments on Thursday.