The ensuing reshuffle that followed the election of Humza Yousaf to the role of SNP Leader, and subsequently First Minister of Scotland, has continued into the second day with the departure of another member of Nicola Sturgeon’s Cabinet.
Kate Forbes, who came second to Yousaf in the leadership election, left the government yesterday after being offered a ‘lesser’ role in Rural Affairs and Ivan McKee, her Leadership Campaign Manager, has now suffered the same fate.
Speaking to The Herald regarding his exit, former Minister for Business, Trade and Tourism McKee said:
“We didn’t go into the specifics but it was broadly similar but without some of the responsibilities around government transformation and some other work I’ve been doing.
“It was effectively a smaller job than I had just now and I have turned it down.”
The demotion of leadership opponents comes as something of a surprise considering Yousaf’s message after being appointed Leader of the Scottish National Party was one of unity In his speech after being announced as the winner, he said that he would be “a leader for all of Scotland” rather than one who would lead in the interests of solely himself and those who voted for him.
It remains to be seen what the impact of this major reshuffle will have, especially following the notable reshufflings that many became used to with the UK Government in 2022.
