McConnell shakes up ministerial team
Nicol Stephen, the newly elected leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, has replaced his former boss Jim Wallace as Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning.
In a reshuffle of the Scottish Executive’s ministerial team following Mr Stephen’s appointment, Liberal Democrats Tavish Scott, George Lyon and Robert Brown have all been given new roles.
Mr Scott, MSP for Shetland, has joined the Cabinet taking Mr Stephen’s former role as Minister for Transport and Telecommunications, and has been replaced as Deputy Minister for Finance and Parliamentary Business by Arygll & Bute MSP Mr Lyon.
Glasgow MSP Mr Brown has become Deputy Minister for Education, replacing Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP Euan Robson who has now left the government.
Mr Stephen commented: “Tavish Scott, George Lyon and Robert Brown will bring real energy, experience and ability to their new roles. This is now a very strong ministerial team.
“Enterprise and Lifelong Learning is clearly one of the most important roles in government. I am determined to build Scotland’s enterprise culture and support our young entrepreneurs and students.”
First Minister Jack McConnell has also shaken up the health, environment and rural portfolios, with Rhona Brankin and Lewis Macdonald trading their roles as Deputy Health Minister and Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Affairs.
Mr McConnell added: “Nicol Stephen and I worked well together in Education and I am looking forward to working with him as Deputy First Minister.
“I know the Ministers that I have appointed today share our commitment to Scotland and our enthusiasm to make further progress over the next two years. I am delighted they have accepted their positions.”
Mr Stephen was elected as leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats last week, taking 76.6 per cent of the vote in a ballot.
He replaced Jim Wallace as leader, who had led the party since 1992. Mr Wallace announced his intention to stand down last month, and also plans to leave the Scottish Parliament after the 2007 elections.
