Health Secretary Shona Robison resigns as Nicola Sturgeon reshuffles cabinet

HEALTH Secretary Shona Robison and Communities Secretary Angela Constance have both resigned, the Scottish Government has confirmed.

International Development Minister Alasdair Allan, Community Safety Minister Annabelle Ewing and Mental Health Minister Maureen Watt will also be leaving government.

The First Minister will announce further details of her new cabinet shortly.

In her resignation letter, Ms Robison said it was an “immense privilege” to serve as Health Secretary “albeit at times very challenging and all consuming”.

Been an honour to serve in Scottish Government for over 10 yrs but time for new challenges. Big thanks to all health & care staff, you do Scotland proud! pic.twitter.com/6LR0xJImjA

— Shona Robison MSP (@ShonaRobison) June 26, 2018

She added: “I am perhaps most proud to have been the Cabinet Secretary to see our long fought for Minimum Unit Pricing legislation come into force.

“As you know this last year has been particularly challenging to me personally, losing both my parents, having a health scare of my own, and some big changes in my personal life.

“I thank you for your support during these difficult times.

“I feel that I have reached a point in my life just now where I would be best to step down from a role in Government.”

Very best wishes to @ShonaRobison, and an enormous thanks for the service you have given to Scotland and our party during your time in government. No doubt you will continue to be a first-class Constituency MSP representing Dundee East. https://t.co/z3Bp7z5ibJ

— Stewart McDonald MP (@StewartMcDonald) June 26, 2018

Earlier today, Keith Brown stepped down from his role as Nicola Sturgeon’s Economy Secretary.

He said he would instead “dedicate his time and energy” to his role of as depute leader of the party and campaigning for independence.

Keith Brown to leave Scottish Government role. There had been grumblings from business world that the split finance / economy brief wasn't working as well as when Swinney did both roles. #reshuffle

— Andrew Picken (@andrewpicken1) June 26, 2018