Nicola Sturgeon has started her cabinet reshuffle with Keith Brown removed from the front bench to focus on his new role as SNP deputy leader.
Mr Brown, a former Angus-based Royal Marine, had been Economy Secretary since May 2016 but is leaving to “dedicate his time and energy” to preparing for future elections, including Indyref2, and new policies.
More changes are expected in the coming hours, with speculation rife that Dundee MSP Shona Robison will be moved from the health brief.
Ms Sturgeon tweeted this afternoon that she “will announce further changes to my @scotgov team over the course of today and tomorrow”.
The Courier reported in April that a reshuffle was expected in June between the SNP conference and Holyrood’s summer recess, which starts this week.
On Mr Brown’s cabinet departure, Ms Sturgeon said: “Keith has done an excellent job as a government minister over many years and has many achievements that he can be very proud of, including overseeing the construction of the magnificent new Queensferry Crossing.
“However, he and I have decided that the time is right to ensure that the energies of the SNP leader and depute leader team are focused not just on delivering a strong SNP Government, but also a party operation that is from top to bottom, fit and ready for the opportunities that lie ahead.”
New ministers would have to be approved by MSPs, which is likely to take place on Wednesday.
