Just over six years after joining the Scottish Government, Jenny Gilruth has risen through the ranks to become the country’s Deputy First Minister – describing her new job as “the greatest honour of my life”.
Married to former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale, the promotion makes Ms Gilruth the first LGBT person to hold the role.
She spent three years serving as education secretary – a role the former modern studies teacher was first appointed to by Humza Yousaf in 2023.
She held on to the post when John Swinney took over the top job the following year – and he praised his new deputy for her efforts in preventing “damaging” teachers strikes planned for earlier this year.
Announcing her appointment on Wednesday, Mr Swinney said: “Jenny Gilruth has already shown she can deliver for the people of Scotland, not least in averting damaging teachers strikes earlier this year.
“Now, as my Government takes on the emphatic mandate we were given by the people, she will play a central role in making sure we deliver on people’s priorities.
“This will be a Scottish Government working for Scotland. We have pledged that we will support people with the cost of living, ensure easier access to the NHS and deliver a fresh start with independence.
“That is exactly what we will do, and I am pleased that Jenny will bring her drive and determination to that task.”
Ms Gilruth’s appointment as Deputy First Minister was the first made as Mr Swinney, newly installed as Scotland’s First Minister, puts together his new-look Cabinet team.
She said: “Being asked to serve as John Swinney’s Deputy First Minister is the greatest honour of my life.”
Ms Gilruth, who has served as the MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes since 2016, added: “We are coming into Government refreshed by the faith people have placed in us and determined to deliver on the job they have asked us to do – supporting people through the cost-of-living crisis, giving people easier access to the NHS, and delivering a fresh start with independence.
“That is our task and it is one I will dedicate myself to delivering as Deputy First Minister, in a Scottish Government working for Scotland.”
After being elected as an MSP 10 years ago, Ms Gilruth joined the Scottish Government in 2020, with then first minister Nicola Sturgeon appointing her as minister for Europe, migration and international development.
She then became transport minister in 2022, holding the role as the Scottish Government took train operator ScotRail into public ownership – but she also had to announce major delays in Government plans to dual the A9 road between Perth and Inverness.
She joined the Scottish Cabinet in 2023 when Mr Yousaf handed her the education brief – a post previously been held by Mr Swinney.
The role has seen her face tough questions over classroom violence, the use of mobile phones in schools, and on Scotland’s educational standards.
Last year she stepped in and announced an “unprecedented” £40 million of emergency funding for Dundee University amid concerns over its finances.
