Appointment of Ministers

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed a number of ministerial posts following the appointment of a new Scottish Government Cabinet.

Kevin Stewart will remain in post as Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning and has been tasked by the First Minister with implementing the Homelessness Taskforce recommendations.

After six years as Minister for Parliamentary Business Joe FitzPatrick will become Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing taking forward the government’s actions to tackle obesity.

Maree Todd who was appointed Minister for Children and Young People in October last year will remain in her post focussed on delivering the Government’s childcare ambitions.

Paul Wheelhouse will take on a new role of Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands – reporting to the new Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, combining his existing support for Scotland’s energy industry with the delivery of 100% superfast broadband across Scotland and implementation of the Islands bill.

Jamie Hepburn will take on the new role of Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills – combining the post of Business Minister with his previous responsibility for employment and skills where he has overseen record high employment rates, the delivery of a new devolved employment programme and increasing numbers of Modern apprenticeships.  Mr Hepburn will report jointly to the Education Secretary and the new Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work.