Jenny Gilruth has been appointed Scotland's Deputy First Minister by First Minister John Swinney as he reshuffles his top team. The former education secretary was the first to walk along Edinburgh's Charlotte Square to Bute House on Wednesday for the appointment. Ms Gilruth, a former teacher, will not continue as education secretary, though her new brief alongside her role as second-in-command has yet to be confirmed.
She described the appointment as "the greatest honour of my life." In a statement, she said: "We are coming into Government refreshed by the faith people have placed in us and determined to deliver on the job they have asked us to do – supporting people through the cost-of-living crisis, giving people easier access to the NHS, and delivering a fresh start with independence."
Mr Swinney praised Ms Gilruth's previous work, stating: "Jenny Gilruth has already shown she can deliver for the people of Scotland, not least in averting damaging teachers strikes earlier this year. Now, as my Government takes on the emphatic mandate we were given by the people, she will play a central role in making sure we deliver on people's priorities."
Ms Gilruth replaces Kate Forbes, who left Holyrood at this month's election. She was chosen ahead of other candidates touted by the SNP, including Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan. The appointment comes after Mr Swinney was sworn into office for a second time on Wednesday morning at the Court of Session, accompanied by his wife Elizabeth and teenage son Matthew.
Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Swinney said he would be a "First Minister for all of Scotland." He highlighted his top priorities: tackling the cost of living, improving the NHS, and "giving the people of Scotland the opportunity to decide on their own constitutional future."
The SNP leader was elected First Minister for the second time on Tuesday after his party won 58 seats at the election. His first task is filling Cabinet gaps left by retiring ministers, including Ms Forbes, finance secretary Shona Robison, and culture secretary Angus Robertson, who lost his seat. Mr Swinney is expected to bring in fresh talent, such as former MPs Stephen Flynn, Stephen Gethins, and Alison Thewliss. Cabinet appointments will face a confirmatory vote in Holyrood on Thursday.
