Scotland’s New Minister For Education And Young People Appointed

Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry has been appointed as the new Education and Young People Minister to replace Peter Peacock who resigned for health reasons. First Minister Jack McConnell said: “Peter is a sad loss to the Cabinet. He has achieved a great deal in the post, including a major school building programme, changes to the curriculum and raising the level of ambition in all our schools. Peter leaves the education system in very good shape and his decision to stand down was the right one for him and his family. I hope he makes a full and quick recovery.

“I know Hugh will forward this agenda with real vigour. He has done a terrific job in both the health and justice portfolios. In particular he has been instrumental in the reforms we have made to our court system and tackling knife crime and antisocial behaviour. Hugh brings knowledge, experience and a passion for young people to his new position and he will have my full support.”

Mr Henry said: “It is a privilege and honour to carry on the work of Peter Peacock. Every child should have the best opportunity in life and that is what will drive me in this new job. We are a good team with good policies and I can’t wait to get started in what is a very challenging and exciting role.”

Deputy Communities Minister Johann Lamont, the MSP for Glasgow Pollok, will move to the Justice Department to replace Mr Henry, while Des McNulty, MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, will take up her former responsibilities which include include housing, planning, equalities and social justice.

The appointments are subject to Parliamentary approval. It is expected that a motion will be put before the Parliament on Thursday.

Short Biographies:

Hugh Henry
Hugh Henry, 55, was born in Glasgow and was in local government from 1984 to 1999. He was leader of West Renfrewshire Council for four years before being elected to the Scottish Parliament as MSP for Paisley South for the first time in 1999. He is a Bachelor of Accountancy and a member of the Transport and General Workers Union. He is married with two daughters and one son.

Johann Lamon
Prior to her new appointment Johann Lamont, 50, was Deputy Minister for Communities, having been Convener of the Parliament’s Communities Committee and a member of the Conveners Group. She is a member of a number of Parliamentary Cross Party Groups including Learning Disability and Drug and Alcohol Misuse. Prior to becoming an MSP, she taught English and History after graduating from Glasgow University and Jordanhill College of Education.

Des McNulty
Des McNulty, 55, was first elected as an MSP to represent Clydebank and Milngavie in 1999. Before entering the Scottish Parliament, he worked at Glasgow Caledonian University as a sociologist, later becoming head of strategic planning. He is married and has two sons. Before joining the Executive, he was Convener of the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee, Convener of the Cross-Party Group on International Development, and a member of several other Cross-Party Groups.