Neil Gray has been appointed Scotland’s new health secretary after Michael Matheson resigned on Thursday morning.
Gray previously served as Scotand’s wellbeing economy secretary and culture minister before that.
He was previously an MP from 2015 to 2021 when he stepped down to run to be an MSP.
PoliticsMichael Matheson quits as Scotland’s health secretary after £11,000 iPad scandal
First Minister Humza Yousaf thanked Matheson for his work and accepted the health secretary’s resignation ‘with sadness’.
It comes as Humza Yousaf reshuffles his Cabinet following two resignations.
Matheson quit ahead of the publication of the investigation into his £11,000 iPad roaming bill.
The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) informed him on Thursday that he would shortly be issued with a copy of their report.
In a letter to the First Minister, he said he did not want the scandal to become a “distraction”.
The mini-reshuffle also appoints a new drugs and alcohol minister following the resignation of Elena Whitham earlier in the week, with Christina McKelvie taking on the post.
The changes were made to six ministerial posts, with the Scottish Cabinet now including seven women.
The reshuffle also saw the climate and economy posts being merged.
Mairi McAllan will head the role as Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy.
Transport has been moved to a standalone portfolio with Fiona Hyslop appointed to the job.
Kaukab Stewart – the first woman of colour to enter the Scottish Government – was appointed minister for culture, Europe and international development.
She replaces Christina McKelvie, who was given the drugs and alcohol brief.
Jim Fairlie will also join the government as minister for agriculture and connectivity.