Robison resigns as health secretary

DUNDEE MSP Shona Robison has resigned from her role as health secretary.

The 52-year-old described it as an “honour” and an “immense privilege” to have served in the Scottish Government over the last decade.

Ms Robison, who has served as MSP for Dundee East since 2011, had held the role of health secretary for three and a half years.

In her resignation letter to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, she said she had faced a “particularly challenging” year in which she had lost both her parents and suffered a health scare.

Ms Robison said: “I feel I have reached a point in my life just now where it would be best to step down from a role in Government.

“I have entered a new chapter of my life, including a new relationship, where it would be good to take time to focus on those closest to me, who have too often had to come second place to my job, which has been hard for us all.”

She added: “I am proud to serve the people of Dundee East and I look forward to continuing to represent them in the Scottish Parliament.”

Ms Robison had faced calls to resign over the financial crisis at NHS Tayside. She had also been criticised for presiding over GP shortages.

She will be replaced as health secretary by former social security minister Jeane Freeman MSP.