Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf appoints his cabinet

Scotland’s new First Minister Humza Yousaf has unveiled his cabinet appointments.

New Deputy First Minister Shona Robison has replaced Kate Forbes as finance secretary.

Michael Matheson is the new health secretary, Jenny Gilruth will take charge of education, and Angela Constance has been appointed justice and home affairs secretary.

Mairi McAllan has become the second youngest member to be appointed to a Scottish cabinet as net zero and just transition secretary.

Neil Gray has been appointed secretary for wellbeing economy, fair work and energy, while Shirley-Anne Somerville has become secretary for social justice.

Mairi Gougeon and Angus Robertson both remain in post as secretary for rural affairs, land reform and islands and secretary for constitution, external affairs and culture respectively.

Mr Yousaf, who was sworn in as first minister on Wednesday morning, said: “The cabinet team I have unveiled reflects the priorities that we will pursue as a government – including tackling child poverty, improving public services and building a fairer, greener economy.

“Ahead of my appointment as first minister, I have committed myself to a radical, ambitious and progressive policy agenda for Scotland – and I know that this team is the right one to deliver it.”

For the first time ever, the cabinet is made up of a majority of women.

The Scottish parliament will be asked to approve the new ministerial appointments on Thursday.

Junior ministerial appointments will be announced in due course.

Mr Yousaf added: “I want to thank those ministers departing government for their leadership over the last few years, through many storms not of our making – the economic damage caused by Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, austerity and the cost of living crisis.

“Those ministers – led so ably by Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney – leave a strong legacy for the new team to build on.

“I have made clear my belief Scotland’s government should look as much as possible like the people we represent. As well as being the first ever first minister from a minority ethnic background, I am pleased that a record number of women have agreed to serve, as well as a significant blend of younger and more experienced members.

“That said, every single appointment has been made on merit.”

The new first minister stressed his top team would work to ensure the people of Scotland are given the right to “determine their constitutional future”.

He added: “As we make the case for Scottish independence, we will continue to govern well and demonstrate to the people of Scotland the benefits of decisions about their lives being taken here in Scotland.

“Subject to parliament’s approval, the new ministerial team is ready to get to work delivering for the people of Scotland.”