Angela Constance’s appointment as the new Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning has been confirmed by the Scottish Parliament today. Ms Constance will take over from Keith Brown who has become the Scottish Government’s new Transport Minister.

Her full remit is as follows:

The post leads on the economic aspects of Education & Lifelong Learning in terms of jobs, skills, education and training for the unemployed, vocational education, adult literacy and numeracy and also undertakes responsibility for the SQA and for youth work.  The post, along with that of the Minister for Early Years, deputises for the Cabinet Secretary generally.

The Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning will have particular involvement in that regard on the  issues of school closures, the school building programme and equalities. 

Following Parliament’s approval today, Royal approval of Ms Constance’s appointment will now be sought. 

See below for a short video interview with Angela Constance as she starts her new role.