Scottish Government Portfolios Update
Following the recent SNP leadership election, changes have now occurred within the Scottish Government’s Cabinet. We’ve summarised the changes of greatest relevance to Culture Counts members below:
First Minister:
Humza Yousaf MSP has replaced Nicola Sturgeon MSP as First Minister.
Constitution, External Affairs and Culture:
Angus Robertson MSP remains Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture. The Cabinet Secretary’s remit has changed slightly, it now includes:
· constitutional policy and strategy
· National Records of Scotland
· British Irish Council
· Royal and ceremonial
· Scottish diaspora
· broadcasting and screen
· global affairs network
With the Cab Sec’s remit now containing no explicit mention of Culture, we anticipate a greater emphasis on the Culture Sector’s relationship with the newly appointed minister.
Christina McKelvie MSP has been appointed as minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, replacing Neil Gray MSP. The Minister’s remit includes:
· international development
· creative industries
· Scotland Touring Fund for Theatre and Music
· Youth Music Initiative
· Creative Scotland and other arts
· cultural collections
· major events and themed years
· national towns of culture
· Historic Environment Scotland
· national performing companies
· architecture, place and built heritage
· Youth National Performing Company
· cultural policy
Culture Counts will hold a meeting with the Minister in the coming weeks.
Below we’ve listed further portfolios with relevance to different aspects of Culture Counts members’ work, and Ministerial changes. Further information can be found by following the links.
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy
Shona Robison MSP replaces Kate Forbes MSP as Cabinet Secretary for Finance, and John Swinney MSP as Deputy First Minister.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
Michael Matheson MSP replaces Humza Yousaf MSP as Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care.
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
Jenny Gilruth MSP replaces Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP as Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills.
Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy
Neil Gray MSP takes newly formed role of Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair work and Energy.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice
Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP takes newly formed role of Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice.
Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade
Richard Lochhead MSP takes newly formed role of Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade.
Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth
Tom Arthur remains Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance.
Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care
Maree Todd MSP replaces Kevin Stewart MSP as Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport.
Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise
Natalie Don MSP replaces Clare Haughey MSP as Minister for Children and Young People. This portfolio has expanded to include Keeping The Promise.
Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity
Lorna Slater MSP remains Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity.
Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees
Emma Roddick MSP replaces Christina McKelvie MSP as Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees. This portfolio was previously known as Minister for Equalities and Older People.
Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning
Joe FitzPatrick MSP replaces Ben Macpherson MSP as Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning. This portfolio was previously known as Minister for Social Security and Local Government.