Humzah Yousaf’s Cabinet unveiled

BEN MACPHERSON ‘RESPECTFULLY DECLINES’ NEW ROLE

First Minister Humza Yousaf has unveiled his Cabinet team with five members aged under 40 and, for the first time ever, a majority of women.

In a Cabinet of ten that sees the Economy established as a portfolio in its own right:

  • Shona Robison, the new Deputy First Minister, will take on the Finance portfolio, including responsibility for the Scottish Budget
  • Michael Matheson becomes the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care
  • Jenny Gilruth joins Cabinet for the first time as Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
  • Màiri McAllan joins Cabinet for the first time as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition
  • Neil Gray joins Cabinet for the first time as Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy
  • Mairi Gougeon remains Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands
  • Angus Robertson remains Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture
  • Shirley-Anne Somerville becomes Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice
  • Angela Constance returns to Cabinet as the new Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs

Parliament will be asked to approve the new Ministerial appointments today (Thursday). Junior ministerial appointments will also be announced.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “The Cabinet team I have unveiled reflects the priorities that we will pursue as a government – including tackling child poverty, improving public services and building a fairer, greener economy.

“Ahead of my appointment as First Minister, I have committed myself to a radical, ambitious and progressive policy agenda for Scotland – and I know that this team is the right one to deliver it.

“I want to thank those Ministers departing government for their leadership over the last few years, through many storms not of our making – the economic damage caused by Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, austerity and the cost of living crisis. Those Ministers – led so ably by Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney – leave a strong legacy for the new team to build on.

“I have made clear my belief Scotland’s government should look as much as possible like the people we represent. As well as being the first ever First Minister from a minority ethnic background, I am pleased that a record number of women have agreed to serve, as well as a significant blend of younger and more experienced members. That said, every single appointment has been made on merit.

“Every single person in this government is clear that it is for the people of Scotland to determine their constitutional future – no one else – and we will work to ensure that they are given that right. As we make the case for Scottish independence, we will continue to govern well and demonstrate to the people of Scotland the benefits of decisions about their lives being taken here in Scotland.

“Subject to Parliament’s approval, the new Ministerial team is ready to get to work delivering for the people of Scotland.”

One notable absence from the new Yousaf team is Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson, who declined to serve in the new government.

The local MSP explained in a short statement on Twitter yesterday: “After serving in 4 @scotgov Ministerial roles in 5 years, today I’ve respectfully declined a 5th.

“I believe I’ve served well & reliably, & I’m proud of all that I’ve helped to deliver through challenging times. I wish the new FM, DFM & colleagues success.

“It’s been an honour.”

Cabinet of 10 will be supported by 18 Junior Ministers

First Minister Humza Yousaf has completed the appointment of his ministerial team. Consisting of 10 Cabinet Secretaries, including the First Minister, the Scottish Cabinet will be supported by 18 Junior Ministers.

First Minister – Humza Yousaf

Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy – Elena Whitham

Minister for Independence – Jamie Hepburn

Minister for Cabinet and Parliamentary Business – George Adam

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance – Shona Robison

Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance – Tom Arthur

Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning – Joe FitzPatrick

Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care – Michael Matheson

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health – Jenny Minto

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills – Jenny Gilruth

Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise – Natalie Don

Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans – Graeme Dey

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition – Màiri McAllan

Minister for Transport – Kevin Stewart

Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy – Neil Gray

Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade – Richard Lochhead

Minister for Energy – Gillian Martin

Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity (who will also work alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition) – Lorna Slater

Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights (who will also work alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice) – Patrick Harvie

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands – Mairi Gougeon

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture – Angus Robertson

Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development – Christina McKelvie

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice – Shirley-Anne Somerville

Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees – Emma Roddick

Minister for Housing Paul McLennan

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs – Angela Constance

Minister for Victims and Community Safety – Siobhian Brown

Parliament will be asked to approve the new Ministerial appointments today. A more detailed breakdown of ministerial responsibilities will be confirmed in due course.