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April 4, 2023
Cause for concern?
Whenever there’s a reshuffle at the top of the Scottish Government, it’s always a bit of guesswork as to who’s been rewarded or blamed for whatever happened previously. Scotland’s new First Minister’s recently announced team was always going to be more than a reshuffle and so there’s been even more speculation than usual about what it all means. And just as importantly, some analysis of what’s been left out of Ministerial portfolios. What conclusions should we draw from having to dig so far into the lists of ministerial duties for any mention of communities or even third sector?
Full ministerial team confirmed
Published 29 March
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 Jenni Minto
Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport Maree Todd
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 on Thursday. A more detailed breakdown of ministerial responsibilities will be confirmed in due course.