Photo Credit: Scottish Government

Renfrewshire West and Levern Valley MSP Tom Arthur has been appointed as the Scottish Government’s new Minister for Business and Fair Work following a major ministerial reshuffle by First Minister John Swinney.

The Scottish Government consists of the First Minister, eight Cabinet Secretaries and 11 ministers.

Following his appointment, Mr Arthur said he was “honoured” to take on the role.

He posted: “Honoured to have been appointed Minister for Business and Fair Work in the Scottish Government by First Minister John Swinney.

“Looking forward to working alongside new Cabinet Secretary for Economy Stephen Flynn to support businesses in creating a fairer and more prosperous Scotland.”

Photo: Tom Arthur was appointed as Minister for Business and Fair Work in May 2026 – Photo Credit: Scottish Government

Mr Arthur previously served as Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing.

Under the reshuffle, Stephen Flynn has been appointed Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, while Stephen Gethins has been appointed Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy.

Jenny Gilruth has been named Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, with Hannah Mary Goodlad appointed Minister for Public Finance.

Elsewhere, Neil Gray takes over as Cabinet Secretary for Justice, while Angela Constance becomes Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care.

The full ministerial team also includes Jamie Hepburn, Ivan McKee, Kirsten Oswald, Alison Thewliss, Maree Todd, Gillian Martin, Jim Fairlie, Màiri McAllan, Siobhian Brown, Ben Macpherson, Shirley-Anne Somerville and Simita Kumar. Full list below.

Role Name
First Minister John Swinney
Minister for Europe, External Affairs & Energy Stephen Gethins
Minister for Parliamentary Business & Veterans Jamie Hepburn
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government Jenny Gilruth
Minister for Public Finance Hannah Mary Goodlad
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform Ivan McKee
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Neil Gray
Minister for Victims & Community Safety Kirsten Oswald
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care Angela Constance
Minister for Community Care Alison Thewliss
Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol & Drugs Maree Todd
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Gillian Martin
Minister for Agriculture, Marine & the Islands Jim Fairlie
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan
Minister for Children, Young People, & The Promise Siobhian Brown
Minister for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education Ben Macpherson
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville
Minister for Equalities & International Development Simita Kumar
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn
Minister for Business & Fair Work Tom Arthur

By Ricky Kelly

Main writer for Renfrewshire News

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