Michael Matheson named cabinet secretary for net zero, energy and transport

Dropping infrastructure and connectivity from his previous title, Mr Matheson’s new portfolio brings together cross government responsibility for coordination of net zero policy, encompassing transport, environmental protection, energy and COP26 delivery.

Scottish Renewables chief executive Claire Mack said Mr Matheson’s appointment is a welcome acknowledgement of the importance of the renewable energy industry.

Ms Mack added: “The establishment of this key position demonstrates that our industry is now a central part of Scotland’s economy and, of course, our transition to a net-zero carbon society.

“I congratulate Michael Matheson on his appointment and look forward to working with him in his new position, which builds upon the work carried out as cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, as well as with other cabinet members whose portfolios include areas in which our members are active.”

Shona Robison was appointed as cabinet secretary for social justice, housing and local government, tasked with reducing child poverty as well as work to deliver 100,000 affordable homes.  

Elsewhere, John Swinney was named as deputy First Minister and cabinet secretary for covid recovery, Kate Forbes takes on an expanded brief as cabinet secretary for finance and the economy, Humza Yousaf becomes cabinet secretary for health and social care, Shirley-Anne Somerville becomes cabinet secretary for education and skills, Keith Brown becomes the new cabinet secretary for justice, Mairi Gougeon becomes cabinet secretary for rural affairs and islands, while Angus Robertson is appointed as cabinet secretary for the constitution, external affairs and culture. 

The First Minister said: “I’m delighted to announce the Scottish Government’s new cabinet team. Scotland needs a serious government for the serious times we face as a nation, and in the top level ministerial line-up I have announced today we have exactly that.

“It is a government which will drive Scotland forward, as we look to build a just, fair and sustainable recovery from the Covid pandemic.

“My cabinet team combines experience with new arrivals and fresh faces, giving us the range and depth of talent we need to tackle the pressing issues we need to tackle, from covid to climate change.

“This term of office is unquestionably the most important one the nation has faced since devolution, more than 20 years ago. We are dealing with the joint challenges of a global pandemic and recovery from it, the ongoing tests posed by Brexit and the urgent, pressing need to take forward our net zero agenda as part of the global efforts to secure a greener future.

“The magnitude of these challenges is clear, but now is not a moment to shirk from those tasks but to embrace them. In the next five years, we have a chance to shape Scotland permanently for the better, creating a healthier, happier, fairer, more prosperous and more sustainable country for everyone who calls Scotland home, establishing a positive legacy for future generations.

“The immediate challenge is the focus on recovery and the part that all policy portfolios can play in that. But, as I have made clear, when the crisis is over and the time is right, Scotland must and will have the chance to choose its future in line with the unquestionable democratic mandate for that choice.”  

The First Minister will complete the line-up of the refreshed government team when appointments to junior ministerial roles are announced later today.