After a bruising by-election loss and with pressure building ahead of the next Holyrood election, John Swinney’s first cabinet reshuffle offers a glimpse of his leadership style: cautious, loyal and keen to project stability without rocking the boat.
The most eye-catching move is the return of Màiri McAllan to cabinet, this time as Housing Secretary. Her appointment is a sign of Swinney’s intent to place allies in roles that could shape both policy and party direction. As she returns from maternity leave, McAllan, widely seen as one of the SNP’s brightest prospects, is stepping into one of the most politically sensitive briefs in government.
Housing is now firmly in the spotlight. The Scottish Government declared a national housing emergency more than a year ago, but critics argue little has changed since. Swinney has now tasked McAllan with tackling this crisis, with responsibility not only for affordable housing but also for ensuring homes are energy efficient. That links housing policy directly with the climate agenda, giving McAllan a cross-cutting role that could become one of the most influential in government.
Paul McLennan, her predecessor, has left government by request, according to official lines. His departure has raised few eyebrows. Pressure has been mounting over the government’s lack of progress on housing targets and investment, with high-profile voices like Sir Tom Hunter calling for a building boom to meet demand.
Gillian Martin, who covered McAllan’s ministerial duties during her leave, now takes on the climate action and energy role permanently. She provides some continuity in a reshuffle that seems designed to steady the ship rather than change course.
Other moves include Maree Todd being appointed Minister for Drugs and Alcohol, a role that has been vacant since the death of Christina McKelvie. She will also retain her sport portfolio. Tom Arthur, meanwhile, moves role to become Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing. Acting minister Alasdair Allan will step down, having only intended to serve temporarily. The overall size of government has been trimmed, from 27 ministers to 23.
The political context is impossible to ignore. Last week’s by-election defeat in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse handed a surprise win to Scottish Labour and underlined growing voter frustration. Swinney’s claim that the contest was a two-horse race between the SNP and Reform now looks poorly judged. Labour has seized on the reshuffle as evidence of a party going through the motions, with Jackie Baillie calling it a case of “rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic”.
Yet the return of McAllan suggests there is more at play. She is a skilled communicator and a familiar face within Swinney’s inner circle, having introduced him as party leader for his first speech when taking over last May. Her promotion now positions her as a potential future leader and signals that Swinney is thinking beyond the immediate headlines.
Still, potential only matters if it translates into delivery. The housing crisis is real, urgent and visible to voters in every part of Scotland. McAllan has the political skill to make an impact, but she also faces one of the hardest tests in government.
This reshuffle may look modest on the surface, but it reveals a government regrouping after a political knock. Whether it marks a turning point will depend on whether those now in post can deliver results in the months ahead.
What it means
For anyone doing business in Scotland, there are real implications – especially in housing, construction or place-based development.
McAllan’s appointment signals that the Scottish Government is under pressure to show action, not just ambition, on housing. That means new opportunities for developers and investors who can help meet demand at pace.
While the overall reshuffle was modest, it’s part of a wider story. The SNP is in reset mode after a tough by-election loss. This is a government with something to prove, and a First Minister who wants to show he’s listening.
If you want to influence what happens next, now’s the moment to get on the front foot. Whether you’re building homes, financing infrastructure or enabling greener communities, the Scottish Government is looking for delivery partners. Make sure they know your name.
Back to blog