John Swinney

Current advisers Lady Eilish Angiolini and James Hamilton have stepped down, having served for more than a decade in the role.

Ms Loftus was Mr Hamilton’s successor as director of public prosecutions in Ireland, holding that post from 2011 until 2021. She qualified as a solicitor in Ireland in 1992.

Sir Ernest is a former lord justice of appeal and senior president of tribunals. He was called to the English Bar in 1981 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1997.

Sir John is a former senior civil servant and business executive who served as chief executive of the civil service and the Cabinet Office permanent secretary from 2014 to 2020.

Changes to the remit of independent advisers will be set out alongside a new Scottish Ministerial Code, which will be published shortly.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Independent advisers to the Scottish Ministerial Code play a vital role in upholding the highest standards of integrity and propriety.  

“Having served as independent advisers for 13 and 11 years respectively, Lady Eilish Angiolini and James Hamilton have made significant contributions to the role. I am grateful to them both for their dedicated public service. 

“I look forward to working with Claire Loftus, Sir John Manzoni and Sir Ernest Ryder and welcome the expertise and knowledge they will bring to the role.  

“The new Scottish Ministerial Code will further strengthen transparency, accountability and independent scrutiny, with independent advisers able to launch their own investigations where they consider that necessary.”