The junior education ministers who will serve under Scotland’s new education secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, have been revealed this evening.
The minister for children and young people is Clare Haughey, who was previously mental health minister. She replaces Maree Todd, who is now minister for public health, women’s health and sport.
The new minister for higher education and further education, youth employment and training is Jamie Hepburn, who has been moved on from business minister. He takes over from Richard Lochhead, who is now minister for just transition, employment and fair work (and will also work alongside the net-zero secretary, Michael Matheson).
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Former modern studies teacher Jenny Gilruth, who had been talked up by many teachers for the education secretary role, is now minister for culture, Europe and international development.
Challenges ahead for new education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville
Shirley-Anne Somerville was announced this morning as Scotland’s new education and skills secretary.
She takes over from John Swinney, whose departure from the role after five years was announced yesterday.
Ms Somerville will have to hit the ground running amid growing concerns that another qualifications fiasco is on the cards, while next month should see the publication of the long-awaited report on Curriculum for Excellence from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
The full list of ministers in the Scottish government can be viewed here.
