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Mairi McAllan returns to Cabinet after maternity leave as new Housing Secretary


By PA News



John Swinney has appointed a Housing Secretary as part of a Scottish Cabinet reshuffle, with the new role being given to Mairi McAllan as she returns to the Government after maternity leave.

Paul McLennan, who had been housing minister, has left the Government at his own request, it was announced, with Ms McAllan, who had previously been net zero and energy secretary, taking on overall responsibility for the portfolio.

With the housing brief now promoted to the Cabinet, Ms McAllan will be tasked with tackling Scotland’s housing emergency as well as taking forward changes to ensure homes are more energy efficient – a move which can help bring down bills while also tackling climate change.

Announcing the change, the First Minister said: “Mairi McAllan has been tasked with tackling the housing emergency, including ensuring we have energy efficient homes to help bring down bills and tackle the climate emergency.

First Minister John Swinney said he want to show Scots ‘they have a Government firmly on their side’ with the changes (Jane Barlow/PA)
First Minister John Swinney said he want to show Scots ‘they have a Government firmly on their side’ with the changes (Jane Barlow/PA)

“These are two of the biggest challenges facing people across the country and I want them to know they have a Government firmly on their side and focused on delivering real change.”

Gillian Martin, who had served as acting net zero and energy secretary while Ms McAllan was on leave, stays in the Cabinet team, taking on a similar brief with the new post of Climate Action and Energy Secretary.

Acting climate action minister Alasdair Allan will leave his post at the end of this week, having only wanted to be part of the Government on an “interim basis”.

The reshuffle also saw Maree Todd take over as minister for drugs and alcohol policy, a position which had been held by Christina McKelvie until her death earlier this year.

Ms Todd will retain responsibility for sport as part of the new Scottish Government line-up, while Tom Arthur, who had been the minister for employment and investment, will become the minister for social care and mental wellbeing.

Paul McLennan, who had been housing minister, left the Government at his own request (Jane Barlow/PA)
Paul McLennan, who had been housing minister, left the Government at his own request (Jane Barlow/PA)

The changes mean there are now 23 Cabinet secretaries and junior ministers in the Scottish Government – down from 27 in May 2024.Mr Swinney said: “Scotland’s strengths lie in our people, our communities, and our resolve to leave a better future and better country for the next generation.

“As First Minister, I am firmly focused on leading a Government that unlocks the potential for every person in Scotland to thrive.

“I have made changes to the Cabinet which will further enable us to realise that potential.

“Following the sad passing of Christina McKelvie, I have asked Maree Todd to take on responsibility for drugs and alcohol policy. This Government has shown it is not afraid to take bold measures to prevent harm and death, and we must redouble our efforts.”

He thanked Mr McLennan and Mr Allan for their work in Government, adding: “They both held two very important ministerial appointments in housing and climate action and have helped to drive forward progress in tackling two issues which are central to Scotland’s long-term success as a nation.”

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