First Swinney government

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

The majority of Swinney's cabinet served in Humza Yousaf's government. The only addition to the cabinet was Kate Forbes replacing Shona Robison as Deputy First Minister of Scotland, and taking part of Màiri McAllan's responsibility for economy into her portfolio as Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic.^[6]

Only one new junior minister joined Swinney's government, former minister Ivan McKee, with the number of junior ministerial posts being reduced from 16 to 14. The portfolio of Minister for Employment and Investment was created, with Tom Arthur appointed to the role. The ministers for independence and culture were abolished, with their incumbents Jamie Hepburn and Kaukab Stewart moved to other positions. Joe FitzPatrick's local government position was abolished, and he therefore departed government along with Equalities Minister Emma Roddick and Parliamentary Business Minister George Adam.^[8]

The Scottish Parliament formally approved the appointments of Kate Forbes and Ivan McKee on 9 May 2024.^[9][10]

Prior to Swinney's appointment, it was announced in February 2024 that Màiri McAllan would be taking maternity leave.^[11] From 1 July 2024, McAllan began her maternity leave. Gillian Martin was appointed as Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, and Alasdair Allan was appointed as Acting Minister for Climate Action.^[12]

In June 2025, Swinney conducted a minor reshuffle following McAllan's return from maternity leave. Martin was appointed to the position of Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy and McAllan was given the new post of Cabinet Secretary for Housing. Dr Allan departed government as did Minister for Housing, Paul McLennan. Maree Todd was made Minister for Drugs & Alcohol Policy and Sport, filling the post which had been left vacant following the death of Christina McKelvie in March 2025. Tom Arthur replaced Todd as Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing and his economy brief was absorbed by Richard Lochhead who went from Minister for Business to Minister for Business and Employment.^[13]

In September 2025, Jamie Hepburn resigned as Minister for Parliamentary Business following an altercation with Conservative MSP Douglas Ross in the parliamentary chamber.^[14] He was replaced by Graeme Dey, who also retained his role as Minister for Veterans. Ben Macpherson rejoined the government as Minister for Higher and Further Education (Dey's former role).^[15]