Matheson becomes Justice Secretary as Sturgeon names new cabinet

Michael Matheson, MSP for Falkirk West and a non-lawyer, has been made Cabinet Secretary for Justice in the Scottish Government's new cabinet announced today by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

His appointment means the departure of Kenny MacAskill, who has served since the SNP formed the administration in 2007 but who has endured increasingly difficult relations with the legal profession in recent years, in particular through battles over legal aid cuts, court closures and the abolition of the corroboration rule.

Mr Matheson has degrees in occupational therapy and applied social sciences, and was previously Minister for Health and Sport.

Mr MacAskill's former no 2, Roseanna Cunningham is promoted to become Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training, with a brief covering employment policy, women’s employment, youth employment, the living wage, skills and employment training, implementation of the Wood Commission’s recommendations, and Skills Development Scotland. South of Scotland MSP Paul Wheelhouse, previously Minister for Environment and Climate Change, becomes Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs in her place.

The law officer posts remain unchanged, with Frank Mulholland continuing to serve as Lord Advocate and Lesley Thompson as Solicitor General.

Ms Sturgeon named as her deputy John Swinney, who also keeps his job as Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution and Economy – the constitution aspect reflecting his membership of the Smith Commission on devolution.

Other posts in the cabinet, which contains equal numbers of men and women, are: Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities: Keith Brown; Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning: Angela Constance; Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport: Shona Robison; Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Communities and Pensioners’ Rights: Alex Neil; Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and Environment: Richard Lochhead; Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs: Fiona Hyslop.

Introducing her team, the First Minister commented: “The aims of my Government are clear: to create a nation that is both socially democratic and socially just, a nation that is confident in itself and governed effectively, and a nation which will address poverty, support business, promote growth and tackle inequality.

"The new cabinet team I have announced today will pursue these priorities with verve, vigour and determination.

“Every member of the cabinet is part of this Government’s top team on merit, on the basis of the excellent work they have already done as ministers. The cabinet lineup is also a clear demonstration that this Government will work hard in all areas to promote women, to create gender equality and it sends out a strong message that we will start the business of redressing the gender balance in public life starts right here in Government."

She added: “I also want to take the opportunity to thank outgoing cabinet secretaries Kenny MacAskill and Mike Russell for their sterling work in Government."

Responding to the change in Justice Secretary, Law Society of Scotland President Alistair Morris commented: "As Scotland's longest serving Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill has made an enormous contribution towards the legal profession and our whole system of justice. His time in office has resulted in major reforms to civil and criminal law, changes to the structure and administration of our courts and a fundamental reorganisation of our police force.

"Whilst we did not agree with him on everything, Kenny MacAskill was always prepared to listen, to discuss and to engage. He not only understood the workings of our justice system but had a profound appreciation for the importance of that system in delivering a fair and just society. He also recognised the increasing economic importance of the legal profession and the need for us to better promote the value and expertise within the profession internationally.

"We are now looking forward to working with Michael Matheson. There are significant challenges facing our justice system, particularly with such pressure on public budgets. There are also opportunities to think creatively and ensure Scotland continues to have a justice system which we can all be proud of."