Kate Forbes, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch since 2016, has been announced as the new Cabinet Secretary for Finance, replacing Derek Mckay. Forbes is the first woman to hold the position and also the youngest individual to ever assume the role.
Fergus Ewing, who has been an SNP MSP since 1999 and held various positions within the Scottish Government since the SNP first formed a minority government in 2007, is the new Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism.
Mike Russell, who has been the SNP MSP for Argyle and Bute since 2011, has had his remit as Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations increased to include ‘Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs’.
Fiona Hyslop, who has been the SNP MSP for Linlithgow since 2011, and who previously held the position of Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and External Affairs, has cahnged to Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture.
Jenny Gilruth, who was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2016, has been appointed as the new Minister for Europe and International Development, a junior ministerial role under the department of the Cabinet Secretary for External affairs and headed by Mike Russell.
Ben Macpherson, who has been the SNP MSP for Edinburgh North and Leith since 2016, and was previously Minister for Europe in the Scottish Government, is now the Minister for Public Finance and Migration.
Commenting on this reshuffle and the new 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 well-being economy.
Jenny Gilruth 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.”
Featured Image credit: Obantimes.co.uk
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