New Scottish Government ministerial team announced

Published on 20/05/2011 15:39

First Minister Alex Salmond has announced the Scottish Government's new ministerial team.

The 10 ministers include new faces, as well as the return of Stewart Stevenson, who was forced to resign his position of transport minister last year over his handling of the snow travel chaos.

Mr Stevenson becomes minister for environment and climate change.

Former children and early years minister, Adam Ingram, will no longer hold a position.

Mr Salmond said he was "delighted" to welcome Mr Stevenson back.

He added: "This is an excellent team to take Scotland forward, while the overall number of ministers is unchanged, it blends the tried and trusted team which received such strong public endorsement at the election with significant new talent.

"Stewart Stevenson steered Scotland's world-leading climate change legislation through the last parliament, securing consensus right across the chamber, and I am delighted to welcome him back to government in that same role as we turn these ambitious targets into reality.

"I wish to pay tribute to the work of Adam Ingram as minister for children

and early years.

"Adam understands the need within a significantly expanded group to create new opportunities for others to show what they can do for Scotland, and I wish him extremely well for the future as a new constituency member."

Newcomers to the ministerial team include Michael Matheson, who becomes minister for public health, with Shona Robison moving to the Commonwealth Games and sport brief.

Aileen Campbell, MSP for Clydesdale, joins the team as minister for local government and planning, while Alasdair Allan will be responsible for learning and skills.

Angela Constance moves to the children and young people brief and Brian Adam joins the team as chief whip and minister for parliamentary business.

Other changes include Roseanna Cunningham becoming minister for community safety and legal affairs.

Fergus Ewing, the previous community safety minister, will be responsible for energy, enterprise and tourism.

Keith Brown retains transport and also adds housing to his brief, as minister for housing and transport.

Mr Salmond continued: "Aileen Campbell, Michael Matheson and Alasdair Allan represent a new generation who will bring fresh perspective and energy to government just as tried and tested ministers such as Roseanna Cunningham and Fergus Ewing will rise to the opportunities and challenges of their new portfolios."

The new group are all subject to the necessary parliamentary approval.

Reflecting the pay freeze taken by the Scottish Government for the past three years, all cabinet secretaries, ministers and law officers will receive a salary as at the April 1 2008 level both for their ministerial and MSP salary.