Angela Constance retains justice brief in new cabinet

Angela Constance

Siobhian Brown is also retaining her role as the junior minister with responsibility for victims and community safety.

Ms Constance, who recently wrote for Scottish Legal News about her plans to improve the experiences of victims and witnesses, was appointed to the role by outgoing first minister Humza Yousaf in March 2023.

The “new cabinet” unveiled by Mr Swinney yesterday, and due to be voted on by MSPs today, is almost entirely unchanged from the previous cabinet under Mr Yousaf.

The most significant change is the addition of Kate Forbes, the newly-appointed deputy first minister, as a cabinet secretary with responsibility for the economy and the Gaelic language.

In a statement, Mr Swinney said: “Ahead of my appointment as first minister, I committed to working collaboratively across the Parliament to address the pressing issues facing the people of Scotland.

“With that in mind, I have selected a Cabinet team that blends experience and energy, with a strong focus on the priorities my government will pursue – eradicating child poverty, driving economic growth, meeting climate obligations and investing in our vital public services.

“My overriding priority will be to work to eradicate child poverty in Scotland, an issue on which real progress has been made through measures such as the Scottish child payment. The government I lead will maximise every lever at our disposal to tackle the scourge of poverty in our country.

“A strong economy supports the delivery of services on which people depend – health, education, housing, and transport – and so each of these areas are aligned to distinct roles in my Cabinet, with a focus on ensuring people see their lives improve as a result of the actions of their Scottish government.”

He added: “I believe that Scotland’s future is best served as an independent country – but I recognise more people need to be convinced of that before independence can be achieved.

“My Cabinet will also focus efforts on reaching out to those who remain unconvinced, with respect and courtesy, to ensure that the people of Scotland have the democratic right to choose their own future.”