JOHN Swinney tonight axed the post of Minister for Independence as he reshuffled Holyrood’s junior ministerial ranks.
Jamie Hepburn – who held the post created by Humza Yousaf – was shifted to a role as Minister for Parliamentary Business.
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And in an awkward twist, Mr Hepburn appeared on BBC Scotland’s Debate Night programme and was introduced as the Minister for Independence – just hours before his sacking was confirmed.
During the pre-recorded show, Mr Hepburn was asked whether he would still be in the job by Thursday, responding: “We shall see.”
He was also directly asked about the position, with host Stephen Jardine asking him: “If tomorrow, that post disappears, does that mean independence is downgraded?”
Mr Hepburn said: “No, I disagree. Independence will remain a priority.”
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And former Business Minister and ally of Kate Forbes, Ivan McKee, also returned to government as Public Finance Minister, amid a handful of other changes.
The late night announcement of the axing of the indy role – much criticised by pro-UK rivals – is likely to anger sections of the independence movement, who insist the issue should be the top priority of an SNP government.
Officials also confirmed that Emma Roddick had stepped down as Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees – with Kaukab Stewart, who had been a junior culture minister, taking over as the Minister for Equalities.
And Joe FitzPatrick also departed from ministerial office, having served as the Minister for Local Government and Planning, along with George Adam who had been minister for Parliamentary Business.
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The changes brought in by Mr Swinney means a reduction in the size of the Scottish Government by four since the start of the year.
We told previously how beaming Kate Forbes landed a plum job as Deputy First Minister yesterday – a week after secret talks John Swinney over an SNP leadership race backroom deal.
The ex-Finance Secretary’s Cabinet return was the only major change in a reshuffle which saw all top minister keep their posts, despite promises of a “new chapter.”
It came after Ms Forbes, 34, last week said she was considering a bid to challenge Mr Swinney for the leadership, but he promised she would play a “significant part” in his Government if he won.
She then announced she would not run against him — sparking claims of a backroom deal between the pair in talks first revealed by The Scottish Sun.
Today, it was confirmed Ms Forbes would take the role that Mr Swinney held for almost nine years under Nicola Sturgeon.