McConnell reshuffles Scottish ministers

Jack McConnell has reshuffled his Cabinet and demoted Malcolm Chisholm from health to communities minister.

The Scottish first minister was shaking up his team amid criticism of the performance of some ministers.

As the changes continued on Monday, it emerged that culture minister Frank McAveety has been "asked to stand down" by McConnell.

The health role will now be taken on by Andy Kerr, who moves from his current position as finance minister.

Former deputy health minister Tom McCabe is promoted to Kerr's former post.

And former deputy culture minister Rhona Brankin returns to the Cabinet as the health minister's new deputy.

Margaret Curran moves from the communities post to become minister for parliament, while Patricia Ferguson is the new culture, tourism and sport minister.

Resignation move

The reshuffle had been prompted by the resignation on Friday of deputy communities minister Mary Mulligan, who left the executive to concentrate on issues to do with a hospital near her constituency, which is facing a downgrading of its services.

Chisholm's move had been predicted following criticism of his handling of a hospital reform programme.

And McAveety has been involved in a row over cuts at Scottish Opera.

Posts accepted

Following the announcements, McConnell expressed satisfaction in his new-look team.

"I am delighted that everyone accepted the post that they were offered today," he said.

"In the last month we announced an ambitious legislative programme and unveiled a budget of investment for Scotland's long term.

"Now I have a new ministerial team in place who are as determined as ever to live up to the ambitions of the people of Scotland.

"I am confident this is the right team to take Scotland forward, to tackle the challenges that lie ahead and work together to build a Scotland we can all be proud of.

"It reflects a breadth of experience and talent, much of which has helped achieve the achievements of devolution to date.

"Our job now is to ensure continued progress in building a more enterprising Scotland, a Scotland of opportunity and fairness."

Failing policies

But the SNP said it was policies, not just ministers, who were failing.

"Only a few weeks ago, Jack McConnell's office was insisting that there would not be a reshuffle this year," said Holyrood leader Nicola Sturgeon.

"Now, after a summer dominated by public fury over failed policies - particularly hospital cuts and closures - panic has set in.

"Jack McConnell has demoted and sacked ministers but until he ditches his failed policies, the public will see little difference.

"Whether it is Malcolm Chisholm or Andy Kerr who presides over hospital closures, it is the cuts that should be axed, not just the minister."