Moray MSP Richard Lochhead "delighted" with role of Minister for Small Business, Innovaton and Trade
MORAY MSP Richard Lochhead says he is "delighted" to be taking on the role of Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade as part of Humza Yousaf's new team in government.
Mr Lochhead was previously Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work under Nicola Sturgeon.
The new Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition is Màiri McAllan, who enters government for the first time.
Mr Lochhead, who initially supported Kate Forbes in the SNP leadership race before withdrawing that backing after Ms Forbes stance on gay marriage, said the First Minister has "put together a talented and refreshed cabinet which is younger than ever before and for the first time has a majority of women round the table".
Related: Lochhead withdraws support for Kate Forbes
And he described the role of Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, as a "significant and exciting remit".
He added: “Given that the backbone of Moray’s economy is our vibrant small business community that underpins large sectors locally like tourism as well as many others, I am well aware of the important role I’m taking on but I can’t wait to get stuck in.
Related: Lochhead congratulates Humza Yousaf on victory
“There’s no doubt the last few years have been incredibly challenging for business with the impact of the pandemic and soaring energy and supply costs.
"Brexit has of course created new barriers for trade and that’s had real consequences for businesses exporting their own goods as well as those importing supplies. Indeed, exports and trade are vitally important to Moray’s businesses of all sizes not least food and drink.
“Throughout all of that business in Scotland have shown incredible resilience and I look forward to working with government colleagues and stakeholders across the country to build a stronger economy that delivers for everyone.”
First Minister Humza Yousaf's full ministerial team includes 10 Cabinet Secretaries and 18 junior ministers.
Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy Elena Whitham
Minister for Independence Jamie Hepburn
Minister for Cabinet and Parliamentary Business George Adam
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance Shona Robison
Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance Tom Arthur
Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning Joe FitzPatrick
Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care Michael Matheson
Minister for Public Health and Women's Health Jenni Minto
Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport Maree Todd
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth
Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise Natalie Don
Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans Graeme Dey
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition Màiri McAllan
Minister for Transport Kevin Stewart
Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy Neil Gray
Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Richard Lochhead
Minister for Energy Gillian Martin
Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity (who will also work alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition) Lorna Slater
Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights (who will also work alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice) Patrick Harvie
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon
Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson
Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development Christina McKelvie
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville
Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees Emma Roddick
Minister for Housing Paul McLennan
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance
Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown
