Yousaf says SNP is ‘united’ as he appoints supporters to his first Cabinet

Shona Robison takes on Kate Forbes’ former post of Finance Secretary as well as the role of Deputy First Minister.

Newly elected First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf, centre, with his new Cabinet (Andrew Milligan/PA) (PA Wire)

New First Minister Humza Yousaf vowed there “could not be more unity” in the SNP as he unveiled his first Cabinet which he said was the “biggest reshuffle” since 2007.

Mr Yousaf said his new Cabinet, in which he gave top roles to his supporters, brings a mix of new faces and experience as junior ministers Jenny Gilruth, Neil Gray and Angela Constance have moved into Cabinet secretary positions and SNP stalwarts including Angus Robertson and Shirley-Anne Somerville remain.

Shona Robison was announced as Mr Yousaf’s Deputy First Minister on Wednesday but she will also take on the finance and economy brief from Kate Forbes, who chose to depart the Government after turning down the role of rural affairs secretary.