John Swinney has unveiled his new Scottish Cabinet, describing it as a streamlined government focused on delivering on the priorities of the people of Scotland.

The new Cabinet will consist of eight Cabinet Secretaries alongside the First Minister and includes the creation of the first ever Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform.

Swinney said the reshaped government would focus on issues including the cost of living crisis, NHS access and Scotland’s constitutional future.

Responsibility for independence and constitutional matters will now sit directly with the First Minister himself.

The new Cabinet includes a majority of women and has been reduced in size from the previous administration.

Jenny Gilruth has been appointed Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government.

Ivan McKee becomes Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform.

Neil Gray takes on the role of Cabinet Secretary for Justice.

Angela Constance becomes Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care.

Gillian Martin has been appointed Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs.

Máiri McAllan becomes Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic.

Shirley-Anne Somerville takes on the role of Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing.

Stephen Flynn has been appointed Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport.

Speaking after announcing the appointments, Swinney said:

“I am immensely proud to appoint this Cabinet with the experience, energy and drive to deliver on the mandate given to us by the people of Scotland.

“This will be a Scottish Government working for Scotland.

“As a leaner, more agile government, our full focus will be on delivering on the things that matter most to the people of Scotland, including supporting people with the cost of living crisis, ensuring easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh start with independence.

“This new team will hit the ground running, delivering major progress on our priorities within the first 100 days, before continuing to deliver on the emphatic mandate given to us by the people of Scotland.

“This team of Cabinet Secretaries will bring experience, drive and a determination to deliver for Scotland and this government will work harder than ever to repay the trust that people have placed in us.”

The new Cabinet of nine members including the First Minister is smaller than the twelve member Cabinet in place before the election.

New appointments will formally become Cabinet Secretaries once approved by Parliament and confirmed by King Charles III.

Further ministerial appointments are expected to be announced in the coming days.