First Minister accused of creating 'a government of vibes' not delivery

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First Minister Humza Yousaf has been accused of creating “a government of vibes rather than one committed to serious policy delivery” after confirming his cabinet and ministers.

There is also a lack of Highland voices at the top table with just two appointed to work in support of cabinet secretaries but as such they are below the cabinet level and top tier of decision making.

Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Maree Todd was moved sideways to Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport while Highland MSP Emma Roddick will be minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees remain.

Earlier Kate Forbes declined the rural affairs brief which is seen as a demotion but is more likely related to her campaign promise to suspend the Greens deposit return scheme and ditch highly protected marine areas.

There are question marks over how the hyper-specific portfolio titles square with promises made on the campaign trail – including to Highlanders at the Inverness Courier SNP Leadership Debate.

A government of vibes

Highland Lib Dem Councillor who challenged for the far north seat in the Scottish Parliament election Molly Nolan was in no doubt about the reshuffle.

“Removing transport, housing and local government from his Cabinet shows that Humza Yousaf is not serious about delivering for the Highlands,” she said.

“Who is going to take charge of dualling the A9, fixing the ferries, or getting to grips with the housing crisis? He is sending a clear message that his government is out of touch and doesn't share the people's priorities.

"This is a government of vibes rather than one committed to serious policy delivery. The people of the Highlands deserve better."

Housing, local government and transport do not feature

That is because during the campaign Mr Yousaf touted policies of buying up homes for key workers; empowering councils with more financial power; and promised to dual the A9 and A96.

But housing, local government and transport do not feature at all in the titles of the cabinet secretaries whereas before they did with one net zero, energy and transport and another for social justice, housing and local government.

Now when it comes to transport, which is far from a small area of government, the cabinet secretary for net zero and just transition Màiri McAllan will be supported by transport minister Kevin Stewart.

The minister for local government empowerment and planning Joe FitzPatrick – who botched the role as drugs minister – will report to deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for Finance Shona Robison.

Cabinet secretary for social justice Shirley-Anne Somerville will be backed up by the minister for housing Paul McLennan and also by the minister for equalities, migration and refugees Emma Roddick.

Are priorities still priorities?

It certainly is not the most straightforward alignment of roles but the concern is that the rebranding of cabinet secretaries could see some areas relegated.

Here is the fill list of Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers – do they represent your priorities?

First Minister Humza Yousaf

Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy Elena Whitham

Minister for Independence Jamie Hepburn

Minister for Cabinet and Parliamentary Business George Adam

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance Shona Robison

Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance Tom Arthur

Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning Joe FitzPatrick

Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care Michael Matheson

Minister for Public Health and Women's Health Jenni Minto

Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport Maree Todd

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth

Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise Natalie Don

Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans Graeme Dey

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition Màiri McAllan

Minister for Transport Kevin Stewart

Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy Neil Gray

Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Richard Lochhead

Minister for Energy Gillian Martin

Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity (who will also work alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition) Lorna Slater

Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights (who will also work alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice) Patrick Harvie

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson

Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development Christina McKelvie

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville

Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees Emma Roddick

Minister for Housing Paul McLennan

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown

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