Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP Jenny Gilruth appointed Deputy First Minister

The former education secretary was appointed into the new role by First Minister John Swinney on Wednesday as he formed his cabinet.

The SNP MSP, who has represented the constituency since 2016, said the appointment was “the greatest honour of my life”.

In a statement, Ms Gilruth said: “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.”

Appointing his new deputy, Mr Swinney 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.”

Ms Gilruth was brought up and educated in Fife and attended Glasgow and Strathclyde universities before working as a teacher.

She was elected to represent the Mid Fife and Glenrothes constituency at the 2016 Holyrood election.

She has taken on roles including minister for Europe, migration and international development and minister for transport since first joining the cabinet in 2020.

Ms Gilruth has been education secretary for the last three years.

She takes on the role of Deputy First Minister after Kate Forbes stood down as an MSP at this month’s election.