Economy, Fair Work and Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop and Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing are two early casualties of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s cabinet reshuffle. Two of her longest serving ministers will leave their posts shortly, with more changes to the ministerial team to be announced shortly as SNP politicians continue to arrive at Bute House in Edinburgh ahead of Sturgeon unveiling her new top team.
Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, is to be given a new role with responsibility for co-ordinating the country’s recovery from Covid, leaving his former role as education secretary vacant.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, Constitution Secretary Mike Russell, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham and Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell have left empty posts too after retiring from parliament ahead of the election. Energy minister Paul Wheelhouse lost his seat in the election.
Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf, who are both expected to remain in the cabinet but could be moved to different roles.
The SNP has pledged to create a new cabinet secretary role for ‘net zero, energy and transport’ as well as specific junior ministerial posts focused on youth employment and the ‘just transition’ to an environmentally sustainable economy.