Scotland: Jenny Gilruth is expected to become deputy first minister in the new SNP team
Scottish Cabinet Secretary John Swinney is expected to appoint Jenny Gilruth as Deputy First Minister of Scotland, as he restructures the SNP cabinet following last month’s Scottish Parliament elections.
Gilruth was seen arriving at Boat House in Edinburgh on Wednesday morning, as Swinney prepares to make announcements about his ministerial team as he enters his second term as First Minister.Jenny Gilruth is now Education Secretary, but it is unclear what portfolio she will hold in the future, as reported by The Independent. If appointed, Gilruth will replace Kate Forbes, who recently resigned from her position at Holyrood.
According to reports, Swinney chose Gilruth over a number of other senior SNP politicians, including Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan.Sweeney was sworn in during a ceremony held Wednesday morning at the Criminal Court. He explained in his statement that the occasion was very profound given its importance to Scotland.He said: “It is a very moving ceremony to take part in the court, to be appointed by the court as First Minister of Scotland.”
He added: “It is a celebration that links the position I hold to the origins of the Scottish state, so it is a very precious moment for me, and a reminder of the great responsibilities I have as First Minister, which I carry out faithfully on behalf of the people of our country.”Swinney’s government plans to tackle the cost of living crisis, reform the NHS and give Scots the opportunity to make decisions about their constitutional future.
He added in his statement: “I have pledged to be the First Minister who will serve all the people of Scotland, and that is exactly what I intend to do.”The Parliament of Scotland elected Swinney as First Minister again after the Scottish National Party won 58 seats. A number of ministers have retreated from the political spotlight recently; These include Finance Minister Shona Robison, while Angus Robertson, the Culture Secretary, lost his seat to the Scottish Greens.The newly elected Scottish National Party government is expected to appoint former MPs Stephen Flynn, Stephen Gethins and Alison Thewlis to the government. A vote to confirm the appointments is expected to take place at Holyrood on Thursday.
