Gilruth to help Swinney focus on ‘people’s priorities’ – Daily Business

Jenny Gilruth: new deputy first minister

Former Scottish Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has been appointed Deputy First Minister as John Swinney promises to focus on ‘people’s priorities’.

Ms Gilruth will step into the role last occupied by Kate Forbes who did not seek re-election to the Scottish parliament.

The pledge on “people’s priorities” is likey to prompt calls for Mr Swinney to drop his independence campaign, an issue that features low on the list of voters’ priorities.

Ivan McKee is expected to be promoted from his role in the last government as public finance minister. Màiri McAllan, Gillian Martin, Angela Constance and Neil Gray are also due to be given Cabinet roles and there is keen interest in what position Stephen Flynn will get.

Describing it as “the greatest honour of my life”, Ms Gilruth’s portfolio will be confirmed in due course.

She said: “We are coming into government refreshed by the faith people have placed in us and determined to deliver on the job they have asked us to do – supporting people through the cost of living crisis, giving people easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh start with independence.

“That is our task and it is one I will dedicate myself to delivering as Deputy First Minister, in a Scottish Government working for Scotland.”

The First Minister said: “Jenny Gilruth has already shown she can deliver for the people of Scotland, not least in averting damaging teachers strikes earlier this year.

“Now, as my government takes on the emphatic mandate we were given by the people, she will play a central role in making sure we deliver on people’s priorities.

“This will be a Scottish Government working for Scotland.  We have pledged that we will support people with the cost of living, ensure easier access to the NHS and deliver a fresh start with independence.

“That is exactly what we will do, and I am pleased that Jenny will bring her drive and determination to that task.”

Ivan McKee is expected to get a promotion (pic: DB Media Services)

Brought up and educated in Fife, Ms Gilruth is a graduate of Glasgow University, where she studied Politics and Sociology, and of Strathclyde University where she studied for her Postgraduate in Secondary Education (Modern Studies).

Prior to being elected in 2016, she spent a decade in education, including as a head of department in a Fife secondary school.

Ms Gilruth was elected to represent the Mid Fife and Glenrothes Constituency at the 2016 election.

She was previously the Minister for Europe and International Development and Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development.

In January 2022 she was appointed Minister for Transport and a year later Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills.

#Gilruth #Swinney #focus #peoples #priorities #Daily #Business