John Swinney formed theSwinney government on 8 May 2024, following his appointment asFirst Minister of Scotland at theCourt of Session.^[1] The government was approved by parliamentary vote thanks to the abstention ofScottish Green MSPs.^[2]

Swinney government
12thGovernment of Scotland
2024–present
Swinney's cabinet outsideBute House, 2024
Date formed	8 May 2024
People and organisations
Monarch	Charles III
First Minister	John Swinney
First Minister's history	MSP forPerthshire North (1999–present) Deputy First Minister of Scotland (2014–2023) Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy (2007–2016, 2022–2023) Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery (2021–2023) Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (2016–2021)
Deputy First Minister	Kate Forbes
Member parties	Scottish National Party
Status in legislature	Minority 62 / 129 (48%)
Opposition cabinet	Opposition Parties
Opposition party	Scottish Conservative
Opposition leader	Douglas Ross (until September 2024) Russell Findlay (September 2024–present)
History
Legislature term	6th Scottish Parliament
Budget	2025 Scottish budget
Predecessor	Second Yousaf government

Swinney's government was announced on 8 May following his tenure as first minister beginning, and includes eleven cabinet secretaries, the majority of whom are women, with the youngestdeputy first minister,Kate Forbes, being appointed by Swinney. The majority of members of the government were part of thecabinet under Swinney's predecessor,Humza Yousaf'ssecond administration.^[3]

Newly appointed cabinet secretaries who were not part of the previous administration were appointed as cabinet secretary designates, pending approval bymembers of the Scottish Parliament and receiving approval by the incumbent monarch.^[3]

On 29 April 2024,Humza Yousaf announced his intention to resignthe leadership of the Scottish National Party, and as First Minister.^[4] Swinney announced his candidacy for theinternal leadership contest, and was elected unopposed.^[5]Shona Robison resigned as Deputy First Minister on 8 May in favour ofKate Forbes, but was re-appointed as Swinney'sFinance Secretary with additional responsibility for local government.^[6][7]

The majority of Swinney's cabinet was previously part of Humza Yousaf's previous governments. The only addition to the cabinet was Kate Forbes replacing Shona Robison asDeputy First Minister of Scotland, and taking part ofMàiri McAllan'sresponsibility for economy into her portfolio asCabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic.^[8] Robison was, however, re-appointed by Swinney asFinance Secretary with additional responsibility for local government, with McAllan appointed as the reduced portfolio ofCabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy.^[9]

Additionally, only one new junior minister joined Swinney's government, former ministerIvan McKee, with the number of junior ministerial posts being reduced from 16 to 14. The portfolio ofMinister for Employment and Investment was created, withTom Arthur appointed to the role. The ministers forindependence andculture were abolished, with their incumbentsJamie Hepburn andKaukab Stewart moved to other positions.Joe FitzPatrick'slocal government position was abolished, and he therefore departed government along withEqualities MinisterEmma Roddick andParliamentary Business MinisterGeorge Adam.^[10]

TheScottish Parliament formally approved the appointments ofKate Forbes andIvan McKee on 9 May 2024.^[11][12]

Prior to Swinney's appointment, it was announced in February 2024 thatMàiri McAllan would be taking maternity leave.^[13] From 1 July 2024, McAllan will begin her maternity leave, whereGillian Martin will be appointed as Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, andAlasdair Allan will be appointed as Acting Minister for Climate Action.^[14]