The First Minister chaired the first meeting of his new Scottish Cabinet in Bute House yesterday, charging Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers to take a bold approach to delivering for Scotland.
Cabinet had a substantive discussion on the priorities of the government, ahead of the First Minister giving a planned statement to parliament immediately after recess. They had a further conversation around the budget that will underpin those priorities.
Friday’s discussion highlighted the importance of being an open, accessible government through engagement with the public and stakeholders and by reaching out to members of other parties in a genuine spirit of collaboration.
It also stressed the importance of building relationships with counterparts in other devolved administrations and the UK Government.
Cabinet members also reflected on their experiences in their previous ministerial portfolios and how that often brings useful perspective when taking on roles in different areas of government.
As always, a discussion on the immediate issues Cabinet members will be addressing in the coming weeks took place.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I was pleased to welcome new and returning Cabinet members to our first meeting this morning. I was clear to them that I want Cabinet to be a forum for open and honest discussion.
“We all look forward to reaching out to stakeholders, the business community, opposition parties and the wider public in a spirit of genuine collaboration.
“This government has a strong track of taking forward ambitious and radical policies and reforms over the last few years, against a backdrop of austerity, economic uncertainty and of course the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Under my leadership the Ministerial team have been tasked with taking a bold approach to how we govern – not just in addressing the challenges facing the people of Scotland, but also maximising the opportunities of our many strengths.
“Our key priorities will include eradicating poverty and delivering a wellbeing economy underpinned by sustainable public services.
“I will set out more detail to parliament following Easter recess – but in the next couple of weeks, Cabinet members will be busy getting down to work on the immediate issues in their portfolios.”
Following the election of Humza Yousaf as SNP leader and his swearing in as First Minister, dentist leaders in Scotland have called for immediate action to ensure the beleaguered service has a future.
The leadership election has delayed the timetable for reform of the low margin/high volume system dentists work to, that has left providers facing the risk of delivering NHS care at a financial loss. In an open letter the British Dental Association has stressed that without immediate action the exodus from NHS dentistry will accelerate.
A recent survey of high street dentists across Scotland showed over half (59%) have reduced the amount of NHS work they do since lockdown, and four in five (83%) say they plan to reduce or further reduce their NHS commitment in the year ahead.
In the letter BDA’s Scottish leadership state: “In 2021 the SNP made a promise to the Scottish electorate: free NHS dentistry for all. The decisions you take in your first 100 days will effectively determine if that promise is going to be kept.”
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.
