Tag: cabinet reshuffle

First Minister confirms new government appointments

Reshuffle combines Economy, Net Zero and Energy in a new portfolio

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 Humza Yousaf has appointed Neil Gray as Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, while Transport becomes a standalone portfolio at Cabinet level, with Fiona Hyslop 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.

Kaukab Stewart becomes the first Woman of Colour to enter the Scottish Government as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, in place of Christina McKelvie, who has been appointed as Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy.

Jim Fairlie will also join the government as Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity.

Parliament will be asked to approve the new appointments of Fiona Hyslop, Kaukab Stewart and Jim Fairlie 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, Neil Gray 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. Fiona Hyslop 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 Kaukab Stewart as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development. Kaukab takes this role on from Christina McKelvie, who will now report directly to me as Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy.

“And I am delighted to welcome Jim Fairlie 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.”

Cabinet Reshuffle: Cameron’s Back

MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS IN FULL

The King has been pleased to approve the following government appointments:

  • Rt Hon James Cleverly MP as Secretary of State for the Home Department.
  • Rt Hon David Cameron as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.
  • Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
  • Richard Holden MP as Minister without Portfolio.
  • Victoria Atkins MP as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
  • Laura Trott MBE MP as Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
  • Rt Hon John Glen MP as Paymaster General, and Minister for the Cabinet Office.
  • Rt Hon Greg Hands MP as a Minister of State in the Department for Business and Trade.
  • Lee Rowley MP as a Minister of State (Minister for Housing) in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
  • Rt Hon Esther McVey MP as a Minister without Portfolio in the Cabinet Office.
  • Jo Churchill MP as a Minister of State in the Department for Work and Pensions.
  • Andrew Griffith MP as a Minister of State in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
  • Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP as a Minister of State in the Department for Education.
  • Nigel Huddleston MP as Financial Secretary to the Treasury.
  • Rt Hon Andrew Stephenson MP as a Minister of State in the Department of Health and Social Care.
  • Bim Afolami MP as Economic Secretary to the Treasury.
  • Gareth Bacon MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice.
  • Saqib Bhatti MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
  • Anthony Browne MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Transport.
  • Laura Farris MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State jointly in the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice.
  • Simon Hoare MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
  • Fay Jones MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Wales Office;
  • Rt Hon Dame Andrea Leadsom MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department of Health and Social Care.
  • Paul Maynard MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Work and Pensions.
  • Robbie Moore MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
  • Guy Opperman MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Transport.

Scottish Government must stand up to Rees-Mogg on ‘reckless fossil fuel expansion’, says Friends of the Earth

Environmental campaigners have reacted to the appointment of Jacob Rees-Mogg MP as UK Energy Minister and are calling on the Scottish Government to ‘stand up to’ his plans to expand North Sea oil and gas.

The new Prime Minister Liz Truss appointed Rees-Mogg as Secretary of State for Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy this week. 

Liz Truss supporters have said that she is expected to hand out more than 130 exploration licences for more oil and gas in UK waters. The Prime Minister also indicated that she would be willing to support fracking in areas where communities supported it. Scotland has a de facto ban on fracking.

Rees-Mogg said in April 2022 “We need to be thinking about exploiting every last cubic inch of gas from the North Sea. We are not going for net zero tomorrow – 2050 is a long way off.” He has also spoken of ‘climate alarmism’ and has been accused of misrepresenting climate science.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon opposed the controversial Cambo oil field last year but has failed to speak out against the recently approved Jackdaw field or the Rosebank field which contains over 300 million barrels of oil equivalent – far outstripping the Cambo field’s initial phase of 150 million barrels.

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s oil and gas campaigner Freya Aitchison said: “With his track record of climate denial it should be extremely worrying for anyone concerned about a liveable planet that Jacob Rees-Mogg has been appointed UK Energy Minister.

“The Scottish Government must be willing to stand up to Rees-Mogg’s reckless plans to expand fossil fuels and hand out more licences for oil and gas companies to explore and drill in the North Sea. Ministers at Holyrood must speak out and use all the tools at their disposal to block any plans to further lock us into the oil and gas that is driving both the climate and cost of living crises.

“In a welcome change of position at COP26 the First Minister stated that she would no longer support drilling for every last drop of oil and gas in the North Sea, and spoke out against the Cambo oil field. But with barely a whimper of opposition from the Scottish Government to new fossil fuel developments such as Jackdaw and Rosebank, promises made at COP26 are starting to ring hollow.

“Renewables are already far more affordable than new fossil fuels. Scaling up home insulation programmes can help bring down bills, create decent green jobs right across the country and ensure that every home is warm this winter.“

Boris Johnson shuffles his pack

Aces, Knaves or Jokers?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reshuffling his Cabinet.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has been sacked and former Foreign Secretary Domic Raab has paid the price for his role in the Afghanistan withdrawal debacle. Raab is replaced by Liz Truss, while Nadhim Zahawi is also promoted – he takes over at Education.

Robert Jenrick (Housing and Communities) and Robert Buckland (Lord Advocate and Secretary of State for Justice) have left the government.

Further junior ministerial appointments will be announced today, but changes so far (marked with an asterisk) are as follows:

Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service, and Minister for the Union

  • Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP

HM Treasury

  • Chancellor of the Exchequer – Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP
  • Chief Secretary to the Treasury – Simon Clarke MP

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Offic8e

  • Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, and Minister for Women and Equalities – Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP *
  • Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office – Rt Hon Amanda Milling MP
  • Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, jointly with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Minister for Equalities) – Kemi Badenoch MP

Home Office

  • Secretary of State for the Home Department – Rt Hon Priti Patel MP
  • Minister of State – Kit Malthouse MP (jointly with the Ministry of Justice)

Cabinet Office

  • Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office – Rt Hon Stephen Barclay MP
  • Minister of State – The Rt Hon Lord Frost CMG
  • COP26 President – Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP
  • Minister without Portfolio – Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP *
  • Minister of State – Nigel Adams MP

Ministry of Justice

  • Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor, and Secretary of State for Justice – Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP *
  • Minister of State – Kit Malthouse MP (jointly with the Home Office)

Ministry of Defence

  • Secretary of State for Defence – Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP

Department for International Trade

  • Secretary of State for International Trade, and President of the Board of Trade – Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP

Department of Health and Social Care

  • Secretary of State for Health and Social Care – The Rt Hon Sajid Javid

Department for Work and Pensions

  • Secretary of State for Work and Pensions – Rt Hon Dr Thérèse Coffey MP

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

  • Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy – Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP
  • Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy – Rt Hon Greg Hands MP

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

  • Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government – Rt Hon Michael Gove MP *
  • Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, jointly with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Minister for Equalities) – Kemi Badenoch MP

Department for Education

  • Secretary of State for Education – Nadhim Zahawi MP *
  • Minister of State – Michelle Donelan MP

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

  • Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – Nadine Dorries MP *
  • Minister of State at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – Julia Lopez MP

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

  • Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – Rt Hon George Eustice MP
  • Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – Victoria Prentis MP

Department for Transport

  • Secretary of State for Transport – Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP

Northern Ireland Office

  • Secretary of State for Northern Ireland – Rt Hon Brandon Lewis CBE MP

Scotland Office

  • Secretary of State for Scotland – Rt Hon Alister Jack MP

Wales Office

  • Secretary of State for Wales – Rt Hon Simon Hart MP

Office of the Leader of the House of Lords

  • Lord Privy Seal, and Leader of the House of Lords – Rt Hon Baroness Evans of Bowes Park

Office of the Leader of the House of Commons

  • Lord President of the Council, and Leader of the House of Commons – Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP

Whips – House of Commons

  • Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Chief Whip) – Rt Hon Mark Spencer MP

Law Officers

  • Attorney General – Rt Hon Suella Braverman MP

The following have left the government:

  • Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP – previously Secretary of State for Education
  • Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP – previously Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
  • Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP – previously Lord Chancellor, and Secretary of State for Justice

Yesterday’s announcements coincidentally (?) overshadowed an important Westminster debate on social security and the cut to Universal Credit.

Peter Matejic, Deputy Director of Evidence & Impact at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: “No Government committed to levelling up can credibly defend the biggest ever overnight cut to social security.

“As bills are going up, cost of essential items are rising and National Insurance is set to be increased, ministers are ploughing ahead with a damaging cut to Universal Credit which is fiercely opposed across the political spectrum.

“The Government is reportedly planning to ignore its own analysis which shows how catastrophic this cut would be. No good will come of cutting Universal Credit by £20-a-week. All it would do is impose unnecessary hardship on millions of low-income families and hurt the very communities the Government wants to level up.

“Ministers have nothing to say to the many families who are unable to work or are not expected to work due to sickness, disability or caring responsibilities who are facing this massive income shock.

We all need an adequate social security system and, for those who are already in work or looking for a job, a bold Plan for Jobs, if we are to improve living standards. The Prime Minister knows this and it’s not too late for him to keep this vital lifeline strong.”

Helen Barnard, Deputy Director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: “Today’s debate makes clear that the Prime Minister and Chancellor are increasingly isolated in supporting the cut to Universal Credit.

“There is widespread concern amongst MPs about the devastating impact this will have on huge numbers of their constituents and new ministers are certain to face intense pressure from families anxious about how they will make ends meet from next month.

“The £20-a-week increase to Universal Credit is vital to protect families from poverty and provide the stability they need to improve their prospects.

“As energy bills go up, prices on the shelves rise and National Insurance is set to increase, the Prime Minister must urgently keep this support in place, or his premiership risks being defined by plunging people into poverty rather than levelling up.”

Cabinet reshuffled following Mackay exit

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has outlined new appointments to the Scottish Government and cabinet.

Following her delivery of the Scottish Budget, Kate Forbes has been nominated as Cabinet Secretary for Finance, while Fiona Hyslop will become Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture.

As the process of Brexit, and the discussion on Scotland’s constitutional future move into a new phase, Michael Russell’s responsibilities will be expanded as Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs.

Fergus Ewing will take on responsibility for tourism as Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism.

Jenny Gilruth has been nominated to join the Government as Minister for Europe and International Development, where she will support Michael Russell.

Ben Macpherson (above) will move to join the Finance team as Minister for Public Finance and Migration – where they will continue to make the strong economic and social case for a distinct migration policy for Scotland.

He will also work on issues around green and climate finance, to help ensure all of Scotland can deliver on our target of ending our contribution to climate change. He will also be tasked with ensuring that wellbeing sits at the heart of the budget process.

The First Minister will propose the appointment of Kate Forbes to Cabinet and of Jenny Gilruth as a Minister to the Scottish Parliament tomorrow.

Unveiling her new cabinet and government appointments, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “These appointments bring new talent into government and deliver a real focus, not only on driving forward our economy, but also on addressing the challenges of Brexit, increasing our population and ending Scotland’s contribution to the climate crisis.

“I am pleased to make these appointments and – in particular – to be able to put Scotland’s finances and Scotland’s economy into the hands of two incredibly talented colleagues.

“Fiona Hyslop has been an outstanding Cabinet Secretary, delivering a successful expansion of Scotland’s overseas presence and recognition, supporting our booming tourism industry and demonstrating the huge importance of culture – not just to our economy, but more importantly to who we are and how we see ourselves.

“I know she will bring that drive, passion and sharp focus to Scotland’s economy. Working alongside Kate Forbes as the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, she will continue to drive forward our economy, support our key industries and maintain Scotland’s long tradition as an outward-looking, dynamic and enterprising nation.

“Ben Macpherson will continue to make the case for Scotland to have a distinct migration system in order to meet our economic, social and financial needs – and as Public Finance Minister will also take the lead on identifying ways to fund climate action, and he will work across government to build a wellbeing economy.

“Jenny Gilruth (above) will join government for the first time – having proven herself as a talented and hard-working MSP – and takes on the role of Minister for Europe and International Development. She will have the important task of promoting Scotland, building new links in a post-Brexit environment and delivering on our global responsibilities – and I know she is more than up to that challenge.”

New Appointments

•Cabinet Secretary for Finance – Kate Forbes (who also retains her current responsibility for the Digital Economy)
•Public Finance and Migration – Ben Macpherson
•Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Fair Work and Culture – Fiona Hyslop
•Minister for Europe and International Development – Jenny Gilruth

New Responsibilities

•Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs – Michael Russell
•Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism – Fergus Ewing

First Minister freshens up her government

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday appointed a ‘new, refreshed Scottish Government Cabinet’. The new appointments are designed to meet current challenges, introduce new talent and ensure the government is capitalising on all opportunities in taking forward its bold and ambitious programme for Scotland. Continue reading First Minister freshens up her government