Ross-shire MSP Maree Todd moved to a new ministerial role of public health, women's health and sport
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Newly elected Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Maree Todd has been appointed as minister for public health, women's health and sport.
Previously, Ms Todd had been the minister for children and young people where she had played a prominent role in rolling out 1140 hours of free childcare.
But she was moved in First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s post-election reshuffle – the biggest for years – to a new portfolio.
It will see her working in support of health secretary Humza Yousaf and alongside Kevin Stewart as minister for mental wellbeing and social care.
She will not sit in cabinet – such duties are restricted to the cabinet secretaries – but instead will work from the ministry with a team of civil servants with a view to delivering government policy.
Ms Todd said: “I’m honoured to be reappointed to serve the people of Scotland in Nicola Sturgeon’s government, this time as the Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport.
“I’m delighted to take on this new challenge, helping to steer our country out of the current public health crisis and onto recovery.
“I’m particularly excited about the focus on women’s health and I’m determined to reduce inequalities in health outcomes for women.
“It is a privilege to represent Caithness, Sutherland and Ross and I remain as committed as ever to serving each and every one of my constituents.”
Her fellow Highland MSP Kate Forbes retained her role in cabinet and will now get an expanded brief that covers not just finance as before but also the economy and tourism.
Fergus Ewing who had been a minister since 2007 stepped down from the cabinet amid Ms Sturgeon’s wish for a “slimmed down” top team.
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