Sturgeon rewards Forbes with top job
NICOLA STURGEON has re-shuffled her cabinet team following the resignation of Derek
Mackay.
The First Minister has promoted Kate Forbes to Finance Secretary after she stepped in with hours’ notice to deliver the budget on the day Mr Mackay dramatically stepped down.
Mr Mackay’s former responsibilities have been split in two with long-serving cabinet secretary Fiona Hyslop given responsibility for economy and fair work, while retaining her culture brief.
Fergus Ewing will take on responsibility for tourism as Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism.
Ms Sturgeon has also made some changes to the junior ministerial team.
Jenny Gilruth will be promoted into the government as Minister for Europe and International Development, in Michael Russell’s team.
Ben Macpherson will move to join the Finance team as Minister for Public Finance and migration, taking over from Ms Forbes.
The appointment of Ms Forbes to Cabinet and Ms Gilruth as a Minister will be put to the Scottish Parliament tomorrow.
Ms Sturgeon said: “These appointments bring new talent into government and deliver a real focus, not only on driving forward our economy, but also on addressing the challenges of Brexit, increasing our population and ending Scotland’s contribution to the climate crisis.
“I am pleased to make these appointments and – in particular – to be able to put Scotland’s finances and Scotland’s economy into the hands of two incredibly talented colleagues.
“Fiona Hyslop has been an outstanding Cabinet Secretary, delivering a successful expansion of Scotland’s overseas presence and recognition, supporting our booming tourism industry and demonstrating the huge importance of culture – not just to our economy, but more importantly to who we are and how we see ourselves.
“I know she will bring that drive, passion and sharp focus to Scotland’s economy. Working alongside Kate Forbes as the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, she will continue to drive forward our economy, support our key industries and maintain Scotland’s long tradition as an outward-looking, dynamic and enterprising nation.
“Ben Macpherson will continue to make the case for Scotland to have a distinct migration system in order to meet our economic, social and financial needs – and as Public Finance Minister will also take the lead on identifying ways to fund climate action, and he will work across government to build a wellbeing economy.
“Jenny Gilruth will join government for the first time – having proven herself as a talented and hard-working MSP – and takes on the role of Minister for Europe and International Development.
“She will have the important task of promoting Scotland, building new links in a post-Brexit environment and delivering on our global responsibilities – and I know she is more than up to that challenge.”