On 8 February 2024, Humza Yousaf publicly announced the changes that have been made in his reshuffle of Scottish Government ministers following the resignation of Michael Matheson, the former Health Secretary.
Matheson’s resignation was spurred by a row over an £11,000 mobile data roaming bill he accumulated on a family holiday in Morocco, paid using parliamentary expenses.
Neil Gray, MSP for Airdrie and Shotts, has taken over Matheson’s position as Health Secretary.
Read More: Yousaf backs Health Secretary Michael Matheson amid iPad scandal
He is yet to announce his strategy to drive down A&E waiting times and NHS waiting lists and to gain more funding for healthcare, as health spending in Scotland faces a real terms cut of 0.7% in 2024.
Mairi McAllan, MSP for Clydesdale is the new Secretary for Wellbeing, Economy, Net Zero and Energy.
Gillian Martin is the new Minister for Energy, Just Transition and Fair Work, both taking on some of Gray’s former portfolio responsibilities.
McAllan has praised the choice to include renewable energy, economy, and net zero goals within a single portfolio, as this will “tackle climate change, create green jobs, and deliver sustainable economic growth with the wellbeing of our people at its heart.”
Jim Fairlie, who supported Kate Forbes in the leadership race where she stood against Humza Yousaf, has taken on the role as Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity.
Read More: Sunak’s new cabinet: a guide to who’s in and who’s out
Christina McKelvie has been appointed as the new drugs and alcohol minister after Elena Whitham stood down on 6 February due to ill health.
Kaukab Stewart, MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, has taken over as the new minister for Culture, Europe, and International Development and is the first woman of colour to hold a ministerial position in the Scottish Government.
Transport has become a stand-alone Cabinet Secretary brief under Fiona Hyslop, MSP for Linlithgow, however, the appointments of Hyslop, Stewart, and Fairlie are still to be approved by the Scottish Parliament after its recess.
First Minister Humza Yousaf stated that these new appointments and portfolio changes “reflect this government’s priorities and the missions that drive them- equality, opportunity, and community” .
The Scottish Cabinet now contains seven women, the largest number in its history.
“Cabinet meeting” by Scottish Government is licensed under CC BY 2.0.