Scottish cabinet in the context of Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government


Scottish cabinet in the context of Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government

⭐ Core Definition: Scottish cabinet

The Scottish Cabinet is the main decision-making body of the Scottish Government, the devolved government of Scotland. It is headed by the first minister, and made up of the deputy first minister, cabinet secretaries of the Scottish Government, the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General for Scotland (the Scottish Law Officers), the Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government and the Minister for Parliamentary Business.

Members of the cabinet are usually appointed on the decision of the first minister, as well as individual interests in obtaining a Cabinet Secretary position along with prior experience as an MSP. Decisions made by the cabinet are subject to scrutiny from the Scottish Parliament on matters such as the budget and spending allocation. Cabinet ministers are free to openly discuss and share their opinions on matters at cabinet meetings, however, once decisions have been agreed, whether they agree or disagree, ministers are expected to "put on a united front" for the purpose of promoting government policy.

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Scottish cabinet in the context of Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture

The Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture (Scottish Gaelic: Rùnaire a’ Chaibineit airson Bun-reachd, Cùisean Taobh A-muigh agus Cultar), commonly referred to as the Constitution Secretary (Scottish Gaelic: Rùnaire a’ Bhun-reachd), is a cabinet position in the Scottish Government. The incumbent Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture is Angus Robertson, who assumed office in May 2021.

The Cabinet Secretary was supported by the Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development until May 2024.

View the full Wikipedia page for Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture
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Scottish cabinet in the context of Deputy First Minister of Scotland

The deputy first minister of Scotland is the second–highest ranking minister in the executive branch of the Scottish Government, after the first minister of Scotland. The post-holder deputises for the first minister during periods of absence or whilst out–with the country conducting overseas visits. During any period of the first minister's absence, the deputy first minister will be expected to answer to the Scottish Parliament on behalf of the First Minister at First Minister's Questions. Additionally, the holder of the office of deputy first minister serves within the Scottish cabinet as a cabinet secretary, a position they hold in conjunction with their responsibilities as deputy first minister.

There have been two occasions where the deputy first minister assumed the roles and responsibilities of the office of first minister as 'acting first minister'. On both occasions, Jim Wallace served as first minister in an acting capacity, first in October 2000 following the death of Donald Dewar, and again in November 2001 following the resignation of Henry McLeish.

View the full Wikipedia page for Deputy First Minister of Scotland
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