Cabinet briefs changed as Nicola Sturgeon reshuffles her top table

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has reshuffled her cabinet ahead of the summer recess, saying she wanted to bring "fresh talent" to government.

Ministers Humza Yousaf, Aileen Campbell, Jeane Freeman and Shirley-Anne Somerville have been promoted into new roles.

The cabinet has gone from ten to 12 to accomodate new positions, but remains a 50/50 split of men and women. 

Earlier in the day, former Health Secretary Shona Robison and former Equalities Secretary Angela Constance resigned, while the SNP depute leader Keith Brown left his role as Economy Secretary.

Brown’s former responsibilities have been given to Finance Secretary Derek Mackay, who will now also be responsible for the economy and fair work.

Humza Yousaf is the new Justice Secretary, replacing Michael Matheson who becomes Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity.

Jeane Freeman has left her social security brief to become the new health secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville has been appointed Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, and former public health minister Aileen Campbell has become the new Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government.

Brexit minister and one-time education secretary Michael Russell rejoins the top table as the Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney, rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing, environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham and culture and external affairs secretary Fiona Hyslop have retained their previous roles.

The new junior ministerial team are expected to be announced tomorrow.

Sturgeon said: “With the impact of Brexit on our economy and wider society, it is right that the issues it presents are fully reflected at Cabinet level, while the delivery of a new Scottish social security system also requires a voice at the Cabinet table.

“Those appointments, together with the reshaped portfolios announced today, mean that people can have confidence that the Scottish Government will continue to deliver for people, public services and communities the length and breadth of the country.