NICOLA Sturgeon is expected to unveil a streamlined Cabinet tomorrow after carrying out a reshuffle following her formal re-election as First Minister.
Currently there are 12 Cabinet secretaries across the different portfolios including the constitution, health, education and the environment, but it is thought that a restructure may cut the numbers to 10 or even eight and combine certain related areas such as the economy and finance.
Four SNP MSPs holding roles in the Government’s front bench team stood down ahead of the election.
They were Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, Constitution Affairs Secretary Michael Russell, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham and Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell.
There is some suggestion that the Deputy First Minister John Swinney (below) may move from education to take on the constitution brief with newly elected Edinburgh Central MSP Angus Robertson being appointed a junior minister in his team.
It is thought that Swinney’s considerable experience in negotiations with the UK Government in the aftermath of the 2014 referendum may put him in a strong position to take over the vital role to secure a second independence referendum.
The First Minister made it a manifesto commitment to hold a new vote on Scotland’s future in the coming parliament and said she wants to see the referendum take place by the end of 2023 so long as the pandemic is over.
She has also told Prime Minister Boris Johnson that a second independence referendum is “a matter of when – not if”.
As a junior minister, Robertson, who is half-German, would also have a significant role in making progress on the constitution.
Raising awareness of Scotland’s situation internationally is seen by the Government as an important part of the route forward.
Before the pandemic and the travel restrictions which followed, Russell did considerable work liaising with EU governments and other bodies and potential allies such as the Nordic Council.
However, if Swinney does move to the constitution brief in the Cabinet, the First Minister must find a new education secretary.
One possibility being talked about is that current Finance Secretary Kate Forbes – regarded as one of the Government’s top performers – could be moved to the crucial role.
Education is an area which Sturgeon has made clear she wants to see considerable progress on.
Education has come under considerable strain during the pandemic, with much teaching taking place remotely since the first lockdown in March commenced last year.
There are concerns among teachers and education experts that the public health crisis could result in further widening of the achievement gap between pupils from wealthier and lower-income backgrounds, which the Government has wanted to close.
But if Forbes is moved from the post of Finance Secretary, the First Minister must find a successor for that role too.
There has been speculation that Trade Minister Ivan McKee (below) could be promoted to a Cabinet role, possibly taking on the finance post.
Another big vacancy will be for health secretary.
Over the weekend, one newspaper suggested Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf may be moved into the vitally important job as the Scottish Government continues to fight the coronavirus pandemic and support the NHS in recovering from the crisis, and deal with a backlog of delayed operations and services.
Others who may be promoted include Children’s Minister Maree Todd, Public Health Minister Mairi Gougeon and Business Minister Jamie Hepburn.
Their colleague on the junior ministerial benches, Paul Wheelhouse, who held the role of energy minister, will also need to be replaced after he failed to get re-elected to Holyrood.
It is expected the First Minister will unveil her top team tomorrow and then make this official through a parliamentary motion which is likely to be voted on in Holyrood on Thursday.
It has previously been suggested that the Scottish Cabinet will remain balanced in terms of gender in line with the First Minister’s commitment to equality.
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