Neil Gray becomes justice secretary

Neil Gray

First Minister John Swinney announced his new “streamlined” cabinet of eight secretaries yesterday.

Mr Gray was raised in Orkney, and was educated at Kirkwall Grammar School. He graduated from the University of Stirling in 2008 with a first-class degree in politics and journalism.

Formerly health secretary, he has been replaced by Angela Constance, with whom he has swapped roles.

Mr Swinney said: “I am immensely proud to appoint this cabinet with the experience, energy and drive to deliver on the mandate given to us by the people of Scotland. This will be a Scottish government working for Scotland.

“As a leaner, more agile government, our full focus will be on delivering on the things that matter most to the people of Scotland, including supporting people with the cost of living crisis, ensuring easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh start with independence.

“This new team will hit the ground running, delivering major progress on our priorities within the first 100 days, before continuing to deliver on the emphatic mandate given to us by the people of Scotland.

“This team of cabinet secretaries will bring experience, drive and a determination to deliver for Scotland – and this government will work harder than ever to repay the trust that people have placed in us.”