FORMER SNP leader John Swinney (pictured) has returned to the nationalist front benches in a shake-up of the party’s cabinet, writes Steve Bargeton, political editor.

The North Tayside MSP, who stood down after the SNP’s poor showing in last year’s European elections, has been given the key finance and public services portfolio.

“I am delighted to welcome John Swinney back into the SNP’s shadow cabinet with responsibility for finance and public services,” said party leader Alex Salmond.

Mr Swinney, who steps down as the convener of Holyrood’s European and external relations committee, takes over from Alasdair Morgan who becomes chief whip and the SNP’s business manager in Holyrood.

That was the appointment held by Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Tricia Marwick who takes on the housing portfolio as a member of the shadow cabinet.

There is also promotion for Stewart Hosie who won Dundee East for the SNP in the May general election. He becomes the party’s economy spokesman.

“Stewart Hosie has been hugely impressive as an MP since defeating Labour in Dundee and will now take forward the economic case for independence working with Jim Mather and John Swinney,” said Mr Salmond.

“The SNP’s competitive, high-growth policies for Scotland make overwhelming sense at a time when Scotland’s economy is flatlining, despite burgeoning oil revenues flowing into Treasury coffers.”

The full SNP cabinet is: leader and Westminster group leader—Alex Salmond, deputy leader and Holyrood leader—Nicola Sturgeon, Holyrood business manager and chief whip—Alasdair Morgan, health and community care—Shona Robison.

Finance and public services—John Swinney, justice—Kenny MacAskill, enterprise—Jim Mather, economy—Stewart Hosie, education and lifelong learning—Fiona Hyslop, tourism, transport and telecoms—Fergus Ewing.

Environment rural affairs, energy and fisheries—Richard Lochhead, social justice—Christine Grahame, housing—Tricia Marwick, culture and sport —Michael Matheson, defence and international relations—Angus Robertson, work and pensions—Mike Weir.

Europe—Ian Hudghton, local government—David Alexander, business convener—Bruce Crawford.