Alex Neil resigns as Social Justice Secretary

Alex Neil has stood down from his post as Social Justice Secretary in order to concentrate on his constituency of Airdrie and Shotts.

Mr Neil served held the role for 18 months.

He tweeted: “A privilege to serve in @scotgov. Thanks to all I worked with, proud to have helped make Scotland a better place.”

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, thanked Mr Neil. She wrote in a letter to him: “In your Cabinet and Ministerial roles, you have driven forward the Scottish Government’s commitments to tackling inequalities and improving the delivery of health care services in Scotland.

“I know you will continue to be a first class representative for your constituents in Airdrie and Shotts for this coming term of Parliament.”

Mr Neil has been an MSP since 1999.

The news comes as Richard Lochhead also announced he would be stepping down from his rural affairs post in order to spend more time with his wife following her cancer diagnosis.