Humza Yousaf has today announced his Cabinet top team including a new role focused on Health and NHS Recovery.
The new First Minister, who was formally sworn into office today, has kept faith several ministers who previously served under Nicola Sturgeon.
Michael Matheson, whose previous portfolio was Net Zero and Transport, has now been named as Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care.
The Falkirk West MSP will now come under pressure to bring down the huge waiting times faces by patients across Scotland.
Yousaf has also handed the Finance brief to Shona Robison, who will also serve as Deputy First Minister. She will be responsible for delivering the Scottish Government's annual Budget.
Jenny Gilruth has been promoted to Cabinet for the first time as Education Secretary after previously serving as the junior minister for transport.
Màiri McAllan also joins Cabinet for the first time and takes over Matheson's old job as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition.
Neil Gray, who served as Yousaf's leadership campaign manager, joins Cabinet for the first time as Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy.
Mairi Gougeon remains Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, while Angus Robertson remains Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture.
Shirley-Anne Somerville becomes Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, while Angela Constance returns to Cabinet as the new Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs
Parliament will be asked to approve the new Ministerial appointments on Thursday.
Yousaf said: "The Cabinet team I have unveiled reflects the priorities that we will pursue as a government – including tackling child poverty, improving public services and building a fairer, greener economy.
"Ahead of my appointment as First Minister, I have committed myself to a radical, ambitious and progressive policy agenda for Scotland – and I know that this team is the right one to deliver it.
"I want to thank those Ministers departing government for their leadership over the last few years, through many storms not of our making – the economic damage caused by Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, austerity and the cost of living crisis.
"Those Ministers – led so ably by Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney - leave a strong legacy for the new team to build on.
“I have made clear my belief Scotland’s government should look as much as possible like the people we represent.
"As well as being the first ever First Minister from a minority ethnic background, I am pleased that a record number of women have agreed to serve, as well as a significant blend of younger and more experienced members.
"That said, every single appointment has been made on merit
“Every single person in this government is clear that it is for the people of Scotland to determine their constitutional future – no one else – and we will work to ensure that they are given that right.
"As we make the case for Scottish independence, we will continue to govern well and demonstrate to the people of Scotland the benefits of decisions about their lives being taken here in Scotland."
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