Gillian Martin to become acting net zero secretary

Gillian Martin will become the Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy from next month, the Scottish Government has announced.

The current climate action minister steps up to the role as Màiri McAllan starts her maternity leave.

McAllan will remain the cabinet secretary while on leave and will resume her duties upon her return.

SNP backbencher and former government minister Alasdair Allan will temporarily re-join the government to cover Martin’s junior role for the period.

First Minister John Swinney said: “I look forward to welcoming Màiri back to her post as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy next year, and send my warmest wishes to her, Iain and their whole family as they embark on this exciting new chapter together.

“I am delighted that Gillian Martin will become Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy and I look forward to welcoming Alasdair Allan back to government as Acting Minister for Climate Action.

“I am confident they will work tirelessly to ensure we continue to meet our climate obligations.”

Both appointments will be subject to the approval of the Scottish Parliament in a vote anticipated next week.

Colin Beattie will replace Alasdair Allan as a member of the parliament’s Rural Affairs and Islands Committee.

The SNP has also made a series of other moves on parliamentary committees as a result of the government reshuffle last month.