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John Swinney named deputy first minister | John Swinney named deputy first minister |
(35 minutes later) | |
Former SNP leader John Swinney has been named as Scotland's new deputy first minister, as part of a ministerial reshuffle announced by Nicola Sturgeon. | |
Mr Swinney, who is Scotland's finance secretary, was the first appointment made to Ms Sturgeon's cabinet after becoming first minister. | |
Ms Sturgeon's close ally Shona Robison has been tipped for promotion. | Ms Sturgeon's close ally Shona Robison has been tipped for promotion. |
It is thought Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and Education Secretary Mike Russell will leave government. | |
Labour called for a full-scale "cabinet clear-out", as Ms Sturgeon was expected to announce her full government team on Friday. | |
Ms Sturgeon announced Mr Swinney's new job on Twitter. | |
Mr Swinney, who led his party between 2000 and 2004, responded: "It is the greatest privilege for me to be appointed deputy first minister of Scotland. I will do all I can to serve my country." | |
Ms Robison, who is married to SNP deputy leader Stewart Hosie, could become health secretary, with the current holder of the post, Alex Neil, moving to the economics and infrastructure role vacated by Ms Sturgeon when she became first minister. | |
SNP MSP Humza Yousaf has also been tipped for a senior role. | |
Scottish Labour has called on the first minister to have a "cabinet clear out". | Scottish Labour has called on the first minister to have a "cabinet clear out". |
A party spokesman, said: "Alex Salmond resigned because he lost the referendum but the 'Three stooges,' Alex Neil, Mike Russell and Kenny MacAskill, should all face the sack for their collective incompetence." | |
Scottish Conservative chief whip John Lamont, added: "It would appear that time's up for Kenny MacAskill as justice secretary. | |
"His period in office has been littered with bad decisions from his handling of the Megrahi case, the creation of the single police force, court closures and his botched attempts at reforming the laws on corroboration." | |