John Swinney appoints cabinet after being sworn in as first minister

Kate Forbes has returned to the Scottish government as deputy first minister as John Swinney unveiled an almost entirely unchanged cabinet.

She replaces Shona Robison, the only switch from Humza Yousaf's cabinet.

Ms Robison, who said she had offered to step down as deputy first minister, has kept her other position as finance secretary.

Ms Forbes said she was "deeply honoured" to become deputy first minister.

She also becomes economy secretary, a role which has been split away from the portfolio held by Mairi McAllan. Ms McAllan remains energy and net zero secretary.

Earlier in the day, before naming his cabinet, Mr Swinney was sworn in officially as the first minister of Scotland at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Video by Graham Fraser

8 May 2024

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