Humza Yousaf has appointed Michael Matheson as cabinet secretary for NHS recovery, health and social care after being sworn in today as Scottish first minister.

Matheson has served as cabinet secretary for net zero, energy and transport since 2018. Previously, he held the roles of cabinet secretary for justice from 2014 to 2018 and minister for public health from 2011 to 2014.

Yousaf said: “The cabinet team I have unveiled reflects the priorities that we will pursue as a government – including tackling child poverty, improving public services and building a fairer, greener economy.

“Ahead of my appointment as first minister, I have committed myself to a radical, ambitious and progressive policy agenda for Scotland – and I know that this team is the right one to deliver it.

“I want to thank those ministers departing government for their leadership over the last few years, through many storms not of our making – the economic damage caused by Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, austerity and the cost-of-living crisis. Those ministers – led so ably by Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney – leave a strong legacy for the new team to build on.”

Social care issues, including the ongoing public inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic and progressing plans for the National Care Service despite widespread opposition, will be high on Matheson’s agenda.