Scotland: Jenny Gilruth tipped to become deputy first minister in new SNP team

Scottish Cabinet Secretary John Swinney is expected to appoint Jenny Gilruth as Scotland’s deputy first minister as he reshuffles the SNP cabinet following last month’s Scottish Parliament elections. Gilruth was seen arriving at Bute House in Edinburgh on Wednesday morning as Swinney prepares to announce his team of ministers as he enters his second term as first minister.Jenny Gilruth is currently education minister, but it is unclear what role she will hold in the future, The Independent reports. If appointed, Gilruth would replace Kate Forbes, who recently resigned her seat at Holyrood. Swinney reportedly chose Gilruth over a number of other senior SNP politicians, including Housing Secretary Myri McCullum.Sweeney was sworn in during a ceremony at the Supreme Court on Wednesday morning. He explained in a statement that the incident had profound significance for Scotland.He said: “It was a very moving ceremony to attend the Supreme Civil Court and be appointed First Minister of Scotland by the court.”He added: “This is a ceremony that links the office I hold to the origins of the Scottish nation, so it is a very cherished moment for me and a reminder of the great responsibilities I have as First Minister, which I will discharge faithfully on behalf of the people of our country.”Swinney’s government plans to tackle the cost of living crisis, reform the NHS and give Scots the chance to decide on their constitutional future. He added in the statement: “I am committed to being a First Minister who serves all the people of Scotland and that is exactly what I intend to do.”The Scottish Parliament re-elected Swinney as First Minister after the Scottish National Party won 58 seats. Recently, some cabinet ministers have withdrawn from the political spotlight. These include Finance Minister Shona Robison, while Culture Secretary Angus Robertson lost his seat to the Scottish Greens.The newly elected SNP government is expected to appoint former MPs Stephen Flynn, Stephen Gethins and Alison Thewliss to the cabinet. A vote to confirm the appointments is expected to take place at Holyrood on Thursday.