FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday that her new gender-balanced cabinet was an indication of her will to tackle social injustice and inequality in Scotland.

Ms Sturgeon reshuffled her government after becoming First Minister on Wednesday — the first woman to take the post.

She said the cabinet line-up was a “clear demonstration that this government will work hard in all areas to promote women, to create gender equality and it sends out a strong message that the business of redressing the gender balance in public life starts right here in government.”

Finance Secretary John Swinney was made Deputy First Minister but retains his economic and budget brief. 

Controversial Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill was removed in favour of former public health minister Michael Matheson.

Alex Neil moves from the health brief to Social Justice, Communities and Pensioners’ Rights — which includes local government. 

Labour leadership candidate Neil Findlay MSP said: “It’s right that Alex Neil has gone from his post as health secretary, he leaves an NHS teetering on the brink and failed to address the social care crisis.

“I hope that his successor will represent a change of approach rather than just a change of face.”

Shona Robison takes over Health, Wellbeing and Sport and Angela Constance moves to the education portfolio.

Roseanna Cunningham joins the cabinet as Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training which will include resonsibility for employment policy and the living wage.

Fiona Hyslop remains as Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs.

Keith Brown’s role as transport minister has been expanded to include cities, infrastructure and capital investment, while Richard Lochhead retains his brief covering rural Scotland, food and drink, the environment and climate justice.