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Notice anything different about the Scottish Cabinet?

Notice anything different about the Scottish Cabinet?

This is the Scottish Cabinet, as announced this week by Nicola Sturgeon, the leader of the Scottish National Party and the first-ever female first minister.

As you can see, Ms Sturgeon split her top team evenly between men and women, saying the appointments underlined a determination to put equality at the heart of public life.

Every member of the Cabinet is part of this government’s top team on merit, on the basis of the excellent work they have already done as ministers.

The Cabinet line-up is also a clear demonstration that this government will work hard in all areas to promote women, to create gender equality and it sends out a strong message we will start the business of redressing the gender balance in public life, starting right here.

  • Nicola Sturgeon

Here's how the Scottish Cabinet compares to others:

Scottish Cabinet line-up

John Swinney (deputy first minister). Former SNP leader also takes responsibility for the economy, fiscal policy, business and industry.

Shona Robison (health, wellbeing and sport). Sturgeon ally secures high-profile promotion.

Angela Constance (education and lifelong learning). Promoted after failed tilt at deputy leadership.

Keith Brown (infrastructure, investment and cities). Former Royal Marine is promoted from transport minister.

Roseanna Cunningham (fair work, skills and training). Left-winger who has clashed with Ms Sturgeon.

Michael Matheson (justice). Surprise elevation.

Alex Neil (social justice, communities, pensioners’ rights). Demoted from health, but in Cabinet.

Richard Lochhead (rural affairs, food and environment). Stays in post he has held for seven years.

Fiona Hyslop (culture, Europe and external affairs). Stays on.

More: [Could you pass a Scottish citizenship test?]1

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