Màiri McAllan has been appointed Scotland’s new Energy Secretary following a Cabinet reshuffle at Holyrood.
The 31-year-old, who was previously Secretary for Net Zero, Transport and Just Transition within Humza Yousaf’s government, is now taking on a new role as Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy.
It follows a shake-up of portfolio responsibilities, and the creation of a combined energy and net zero brief, brought on by the resignation this week of Michael Matheson from his position as Health Secretary.
He is being replaced by Neil Gray, who had previously headed up the Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy departments.
Matheson, himself a former Energy Secretary, stepped down yesterday amid controversy over an £11,000 bill racked up on a government-issue iPad, which is the subject of a parliamentary investigation.
Speaking of the reshuffle, First Minister Yousaf said: “The new, green economy is a massive economic opportunity for Scotland.
“If we grasp it, we can help the world tackle climate change while delivering well-paid jobs and sustainable growth in Scotland for generations to come.
“That’s why we will now bring these two portfolios together, and Màiri McAllan is the right person to drive it forward.”