EXPLAINER
Kate Forbes (left) and Angus Robertson could be in new roles as Nicola Sturgeon unveils her new Cabinet NICOLA Sturgeon is expected to unveil a streamlined Cabinet tomorrow after carrying out a reshuffle following her formal re-election as First Minister. Currently there are 12 Cabinet secretaries across the different portfolios including the constitution, health, education and the environment, but it is thought that a restructure may cut the numbers to 10 or even eight and combine certain related areas such as the economy and finance. Four SNP MSPs holding roles in the Government’s front bench team stood down ahead of the election.
VOTING for the Alba Party in the regional list is in Scotland’s “national interest”, Alex Salmond has said. In an address yesterday, the former First Minister launched his new party’s election campaign where he repeatedly pushed for a “super-majority” of MSPs to be elected in support of independence. He also outlined his party’s view on how independence could be achieved if most MSPs backed the goal. Within the first week of the new parliament, Salmond said, the Scottish Parliament should instruct the Scottish Government to start negotiations with the UK, creating a “standing independence convention” formed of elected representatives.