New Deputy First Minister appointed

Jenny Gilruth has been appointed Deputy First Minister by First Minister John Swinney.

She described it as “the greatest honour of my life” as she accepted the role.

Ms Gilruth will support the First Minister in ensuring the Scottish Government delivers on the priorities of the people of Scotland.

Her Cabinet portfolio will be confirmed in due course.

The First Minister said:

“Jenny Gilruth has already shown she can deliver for the people of Scotland, not least in averting damaging teachers strikes earlier this year.

“Now, as my government takes on the emphatic mandate we were given by the people, she will play a central role in making sure we deliver on people’s priorities.

“This will be a Scottish Government working for Scotland.  We have pledged that we will support people with the cost of living, ensure easier access to the NHS and deliver a fresh start with independence.   That is exactly what we will do, and I am pleased that Jenny will bring her drive and determination to that task.”

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said:

“Being asked to serve as John Swinney’s Deputy First Minister is the greatest honour of my life.

“We are coming into government refreshed by the faith people have placed in us and determined to deliver on the job they have asked us to do – supporting people through the cost of living crisis, giving people easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh start with independence.

“That is our task and it is one I will dedicate myself to delivering as Deputy First Minister, in a Scottish Government working for Scotland.”

Background 

Brought up and educated in Fife, Jenny Gilruth is a graduate of Glasgow University, where she studied Politics and Sociology, and of Strathclyde University where she studied for her Postgraduate in Secondary Education (Modern Studies).

Prior to being elected in 2016, Jenny worked a decade in education, including as a Head of Department in a Fife secondary school.

Ms Gilruth was elected to represent the Mid Fife and Glenrothes Constituency at the 2016 election.

She was previously the Minister for Europe and International Development and Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development. She was appointed Minister for Transport in January 2022 and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills in March 2023.