Swinney government

John Swinney formed the Swinney government on 8 May 2024, following his appointment as first minister of Scotland at the Court of Session.

History
On 29 April 2024, Humza Yousaf announced his intention to resign the leadership of the Scottish National Party, and as First Minister. Swinney announced his candidacy for the internal leadership contest, and was elected unopposed. Shona Robison resigned as Deputy First Minister on 8 May in favour of Kate Forbes, but was re-appointed as Swinney's Finance Secretary with additional responsibility for local government.

The majority of Swinney's cabinet was previously part of Humza Yousaf's previous governments. The only addition to the cabinet was Kate Forbes replacing Shona Robinson as Deputy First Minister of Scotland, and taking part of Màiri McAllan's responsibility for economy into her portfolio as Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic. Robinson was, however, re-appointed by Swinney as Finance Secretary with additional responsibility for local government, with McAllan appointed as the reduced portfolio of Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy.

Additionally, only one new junior minister joined Swinney's government, former minister Ivan McKee, with the number of junior ministerial posts being reduced from 16 to 14. The portfolio of Minister for Employment and Investment was created, with Tom Arthur appointed to the role. The ministers for independence and culture were abolished, with their incumbents Jamie Hepburn and Kaukab Stewart moved to other positions. Joe FitzPatrick's local government position was abolished, and he therefore departed government along with Equalities Minister Emma Roddick and Parliamentary Business Minister George Adam.

The Scottish Parliament formally approved the appointments of Kate Forbes and Ivan McKee on 9 May 2024.

Prior to Swinney's appointment, it was announced in February 2024 that Màiri McAllan would be taking maternity leave. From 1 July 2024, McAllan will begin her maternity leave, where Gillian Martin will be appointed as Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, and Alasdair Allan will be appointed as Acting Minister for Climate Action.