Swinney is Sturgeon's new deputy

New Scottish cabinet 'a team of all the talents'

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled her new Scottish cabinet. She says it is a 'team of all the talents.'

Scotland's new First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has appointed Finance Secretary John Swinney as her deputy.

Mr Swinney is the first of Ms Sturgeon's new appointments since she took over as the head of the Scottish Government on Wednesday.

The First Minister announced the news on Twitter, writing: "Delighted to announce that John Swinney is the new Deputy First Minister."

Mr Swinney, who has served as Finance Secretary for the past seven years, had been widely tipped for the deputy post.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Deputy First Minister John Swinney on the steps of Bute House in Edinburgh. Credit: PA

Last updated Fri 21 Nov 2014