EDINBURGH, November 21 (Sputnik), Mark Hirst – The newly elected First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, announced a Cabinet reshuffle of the Scottish Government Friday, achieving an even split of men and women among the most senior positions at the devolved Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
"The aims of my Government are clear: to create a nation that is both socially democratic and socially just, a nation that is confident in itself and governed effectively and a nation which will address poverty, support business, promote growth and tackle inequality," Sturgeon said in a statement.
The most notable departure is that of Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, who made the controversial decision in 2009 to release Abdelbaset Megrahi, the Libyan convicted of the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. The attack, which claimed 270 lives, remains the worst single terrorist atrocity in British history.
MacAskill's decision to release the terminally ill Megrahi on compassionate grounds resulted in widespread criticism from UK and US politicians, including US President Barack Obama who said, "we have been in contact with the Scottish government, indicating that we objected to this [release of Megrahi]. We thought it was a mistake."
The new Scottish Cabinet now comprises John Swinney, Deputy First Minister who was formerly Finance Secretary. Keith Brown becomes Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities. Roseanna Cunningham becomes Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training. Angela Constance becomes Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning. Shona Robison is the new Health Secretary.
Alex Neil moves from Health to take up the post of Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Communities and Pensioners' Rights. Michael Matheson has been appointed Cabinet Secretary for Justice, replacing Kenny MacAskill.
Richard Lochhead retains his position as Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment and Fiona Hyslop also holds on to her position as Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs.
