Just over six years after joining the Scottish Government, Jenny Gilruth has risen through the ranks to become the country’s Deputy First Minister, describing her new role as "the greatest honour of my life."
Historic Appointment
Married to former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale, Ms Gilruth becomes the first LGBT person to hold the position. She spent three years as education secretary, a role she was first appointed to by Humza Yousaf in 2023, and retained when John Swinney became First Minister the following year.
Praise from John Swinney
Announcing her appointment on Wednesday, Mr Swinney said: "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."
He added: "This will be a Scottish Government working for Scotland. We have pledged that we will support people with the cost of living, ensure easier access to the NHS and deliver a fresh start with independence. That is exactly what we will do, and I am pleased that Jenny will bring her drive and determination to that task."
Gilruth’s Response
Ms Gilruth, who has served as the MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes since 2016, said: "Being asked to serve as John Swinney’s Deputy First Minister is the greatest honour of my life. 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."
Political Career
After being elected as an MSP 10 years ago, Ms Gilruth joined the Scottish Government in 2020, when then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon appointed her as minister for Europe, migration and international development. She became transport minister in 2022, overseeing the public ownership of ScotRail, but also announcing major delays in plans to dual the A9 road between Perth and Inverness.
She joined the Scottish Cabinet in 2023 as education secretary, a post previously held by Mr Swinney. In this role, she faced tough questions over classroom violence, mobile phone use in schools, and Scotland’s educational standards. Last year, she stepped in to announce an "unprecedented" £40 million of emergency funding for Dundee University amid financial concerns.
