New First Minister John Swinney has kept virtually the same cabinet as his predecessor, with Kate Forbes the only addition.

Some alterations were expected when Mr Swinney took the top job, however he's resisted from making any major changes.

Ms Forbes has been announced as the new deputy First Minister, a role formerly held by Shona Robison, who offered her resignation from the role.

Ms Robison has remained finance secretary, while Ms Forbes has taken the economy portfolio from Mairi McAllan, who will remain net zero and energy secretary.

Neil Gray remains health and social care secretary, Jenny Gilruth keeps the education brief and Angela Constance will stay as justice and home affairs secretary.

Upon naming his new team, Mr Swinney said: "I have selected a cabinet team that blends experience and energy, with a strong focus on the priorities my government will pursue — eradicating child poverty, driving economic growth, meeting climate obligations and investing in our vital public services."

Non-cabinet posts cut

Details were given late on Wednesday of the non-cabinet ministerial appointments, which had fallen from 16 to 14.

That included getting rid of the minister for independence role, previously held by Jamie Hepburn, who is now minister for parliamentary business.

Ivan McKee, an ally of Ms Forbes who quit government when Nicola Sturgeon resigned, returns as minister for public finance.

George Adam, Emma Roddick and Joe FitzPatrick all return to the backbenches.

Greens criticise Forbes' return

Some criticism has came the way of Ms Forbes, who is seen as being one of the SNP's right-leaning MSPs.

"A lot of people will be concerned about the appointment," said Patrick Harvie, Greens co-leader.

He later posted a photo of a 'no right turn' sign on X, without comment.

Ms Forbes had a key role in government as finance secretary when Mr Harvie and the Greens agreed a power-sharing deal with the SNP.

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