A Dundee MSP will be in charge of the Scottish Government’s anti-obesity drive after taking up a new role in Nicola Sturgeon’s government.
The First Minister continues her reshuffle today, which is the biggest since the Nationalists swept to power in 2007.
Joe FitzPatrick, who represents the west of the city, has been shifted from the Parliamentary Business brief to Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing.
Graeme Dey, the Angus South MSP, takes on responsibility for veterans as part of an enhanced Parliament Business role.
Fellow Angus representative Mairi Gougeon becomes Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment.
Other notable appointments include Kate Forbes entering the government with the new post of Public Finance and Digital Economy.
The Highlands and Islands MSP has been tipped as a high-flyer in the party.
Gillian Martin becomes the Minister for Further and Higher Education, replacing Fife MSP Shirley Anne-Somerville, who is now Social Security Minister.
Three senior SNP politicians – Shona Robison, Keith Brown and Angela Constance – lost their cabinet posts in a major reshuffle on Tuesday.
Humza Yousaf became the first person from an ethnic minority to become a Scottish cabinet secretary when he was appointed Justice Secretary.
New junior ministerial appointments
• Claire Haughey – Minister for Mental Health
• Gillian Martin – Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science
• Kate Forbes – Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy
• Ivan McKee – Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation
• Christina McKelvie – Minister for Older People and Equalities
• Mairi Gougeon – Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment
• Ash Denham – Minister for Community Safety
• Ben MacPherson – Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development
• Graeme Dey – Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans, reporting to Michael Russell
Junior ministers remaining in post (some with extra responsibilities)
• Joe Fitzpatrick – Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing
• Jamie Hepburn – Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills
• Paul Wheelhouse – Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands
• Maree Todd – Minister for Childcare and Early Years
• Kevin Stewart – Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
