News In Focus

Sturgeon given independence brief in reshuffle

5 September 2012

Scotland's Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is set to take a prominent role overseeing the independence referendum, following a ministerial reshuffle announced by Alex Salmond today.

Ms Sturgeon moves from Health to become Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities, where she will lead the Government’s programme for economic recovery. She will also take lead responsibility for Government strategy and the constitution, including preparations for the independence referendum.

Alex Neil, who was in charge of infrastructure, becomes Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing.

Ms Sturgeon’s junior ministers will be Keith Brown, Minister for Transport and Veterans, and Margaret Burgess, taking the new role of Minister for Housing and Welfare.

Dundee West MSP Joe Fitzpatrick becomes Minister for Parliamentary Business, attending cabinet in place of Bruce Crawford who is leaving his role as Cabinet Secretary for Parliamentary Business and Government Strategy. Brian Adam also steps down as Minister for Parliamentary Business.

Paul Wheelhouse (South of Scotland) replaces Stewart Stevenson as Minister for Environment and Climate Change; and Glasgow member Humza Yousaf becomes Minister for External Affairs and International Development.

The other Cabinet Secretaries and ministers will remain.