Neil Gray has been named as Scotland’s new Health Secretary following the shock resignation of Michael Matheson.
He was serving as the Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy before his promotion.
The Airdrie and Shotts MSP is a key ally of Humza Yousaf and ran his campaign during last year’s SNP leadership contest.
In what his spokesman described as a “mini-reshuffle,” the First Minister also brought Fiona Hyslop, back into his inner circle, with Transport now becoming a cabinet role.
The veteran MSP served in senior roles in the governments of both Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon.
Meanwhile, Mairi McAllan’s Net Zero portfolio will now take in Mr Gray’s old wellbeing economy responsibilities.
Christina McKelvie will move from culture to become the Drugs and Alcohol policy minister. She replaces Elena Whitham, who stood down earlier this week, citing post-traumatic stress.
Glasgow Kelvin MSP Kaukab Stewart has been promoted from the backbenches to become minister for culture, Europe and international development.
She will be the first woman of colour to hold a government position in Scotland.
MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire Jim Fairlie has also been promoted, and will take on a role as minister for agriculture and connectivity.
He’ll be supporting Ms Hyslop and Mairi Gougeon, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said Mr Gray would have his work cut out for him.
She added: “This weak First Minister can reshuffle the pack all he wants – the fact is that all the cards left are jokers.
“After 17 years it is clear that this tired SNP government is out of ideas and out of road.
“Our NHS is in crisis, the economy has stagnated, and the cost of living is hammering Scots.
“Neil Gray has his work cut out for him as he tries to get to grips with the crisis in our NHS.
“The need for change could not be clearer.
Mr Matheson, who racked up an £11,000 bill on his Holyrood iPad while on holiday, announced he was quitting Cabinet on Thursday morning.
His decision to go came after the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) met on Wednesday and agreed a draft report of provisional findings in their investigation into his use of parliamentary resources.
The ex-minister was informed that he would shortly receive the draft report and would have two weeks to make representations to the SPCB.
Announcing his resignation, Mr Matheson said: “I am conscious that this process will conclude in the coming weeks.
“I have still not received the findings of their review, however it is in the best interest of myself and the Government for me to now step down to ensure this does not become a distraction to taking forward the Government’s agenda.”
>In what his spokesman described as a “mini-reshuffle,” the First Minister also brought Fiona Hyslop, back into his inner circle, with Transport now becoming a cabinet role.
Good. The fact it was taken out of the cabinet role was bizarre.
> following the shock resignation of Michael Matheson
Who was shocked?
Put your I-Pad on airplane mode and use your own phone for having a chug
**NEIL GRAY** !!!???
This is huge
That’s one way to destroy probably the most credible future candidate for SNP leader.
6 comments
Neil Gray has been named as Scotland’s new Health Secretary following the shock resignation of Michael Matheson.
He was serving as the Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy before his promotion.
The Airdrie and Shotts MSP is a key ally of Humza Yousaf and ran his campaign during last year’s SNP leadership contest.
In what his spokesman described as a “mini-reshuffle,” the First Minister also brought Fiona Hyslop, back into his inner circle, with Transport now becoming a cabinet role.
The veteran MSP served in senior roles in the governments of both Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon.
Meanwhile, Mairi McAllan’s Net Zero portfolio will now take in Mr Gray’s old wellbeing economy responsibilities.
Christina McKelvie will move from culture to become the Drugs and Alcohol policy minister. She replaces Elena Whitham, who stood down earlier this week, citing post-traumatic stress.
Glasgow Kelvin MSP Kaukab Stewart has been promoted from the backbenches to become minister for culture, Europe and international development.
She will be the first woman of colour to hold a government position in Scotland.
MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire Jim Fairlie has also been promoted, and will take on a role as minister for agriculture and connectivity.
He’ll be supporting Ms Hyslop and Mairi Gougeon, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said Mr Gray would have his work cut out for him.
She added: “This weak First Minister can reshuffle the pack all he wants – the fact is that all the cards left are jokers.
“After 17 years it is clear that this tired SNP government is out of ideas and out of road.
“Our NHS is in crisis, the economy has stagnated, and the cost of living is hammering Scots.
“Neil Gray has his work cut out for him as he tries to get to grips with the crisis in our NHS.
“The need for change could not be clearer.
Mr Matheson, who racked up an £11,000 bill on his Holyrood iPad while on holiday, announced he was quitting Cabinet on Thursday morning.
His decision to go came after the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) met on Wednesday and agreed a draft report of provisional findings in their investigation into his use of parliamentary resources.
The ex-minister was informed that he would shortly receive the draft report and would have two weeks to make representations to the SPCB.
Announcing his resignation, Mr Matheson said: “I am conscious that this process will conclude in the coming weeks.
“I have still not received the findings of their review, however it is in the best interest of myself and the Government for me to now step down to ensure this does not become a distraction to taking forward the Government’s agenda.”
>In what his spokesman described as a “mini-reshuffle,” the First Minister also brought Fiona Hyslop, back into his inner circle, with Transport now becoming a cabinet role.
Good. The fact it was taken out of the cabinet role was bizarre.
> following the shock resignation of Michael Matheson
Who was shocked?
Put your I-Pad on airplane mode and use your own phone for having a chug
**NEIL GRAY** !!!???
This is huge
That’s one way to destroy probably the most credible future candidate for SNP leader.