Jenny Gilruth named as new deputy first minister and finance secretary

Jenny Gilruth has been appointed as the new deputy first minister in John Swinney’s government.

The Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP also takes on the finance brief.

She takes over the former from Kate Forbes, who stood down at the election, and Shona Robison in the latter.

Mairi McAllan and Stephen Flynn, who had been widely tipped to take on the deputy role, have instead been given the education and economy briefs, respectively.

Transport, which was previously held by Fiona Hyslop, has been combined with economy portfolio under Flynn.

The nine-strong cabinet is smaller than it has been for several years, with Swinney having made the decision to reflect the fact that there will be public sector job cuts.

Ivan McKee retains his public service reform brief but has been elevated to cabinet level.

Meanwhile, Angela Constance becomes the new health secretary while Neil Gray takes on justice – a straight switch of positions between the two.

Shirley-Anne Somerville remains in place as social justice secretary, but now also has responsibility for housing.

Gillian Martin also keeps her climate action role.

There is no long a cabinet secretary for external affairs or the constitution, a position which previously belonged to Angus Robertson who lost his seat in the election to the Greens’ Lorna Slater.

Responsibility for the constitution will now sit with the first minister, while the culture part of that brief now sits with McAllan.

Swinney said: “I am immensely proud to appoint this cabinet with the experience, energy and drive to deliver on the mandate given to us by the people of Scotland. This will be a Scottish Government working for Scotland.

“As a leaner, more agile government, our full focus will be on delivering on the things that matter most to the people of Scotland, including supporting people with the cost-of-living crisis, ensuring easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh start with independence.

“This new team will hit the ground running, delivering major progress on our priorities within the first 100 days, before continuing to deliver on the emphatic mandate given to us by the people of Scotland.”

The appointment of junior ministers is expected later today.

Jenni Minto, who had previously held the role of public health and women's health minister, has written to Swinney to resign. She said she wanted to "spend more time" in her constituency.

Ministerial appointments will be approved by parliament on Thursday.