Transport / Transport minister steps down just months after being appointed
SCOTTISH transport minister Kevin Stewart has stepped down from his ministerial post for health-related reasons.
Stewart was only appointed transport minister in March this year.
But in a letter to first minister Humza Housaf, the Aberdeen MSP said: “Since last October I have had bouts of poor mental health, with a low ebb in early December of last year.
“Over the last week or so I have once again been feeling unwell and I feel that I can no longer put in the hours required to serve both my constituents and hold ministerial office, whilst also trying to maintain good mental health.”
Accepting his resignation, Yousaf thanked Stewart for his service. He first became a government minister in 2016.
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said: “I am sorry to learn of Kevin Stewart’s struggles with his mental health, and I hope he is able to get the help and support he needs. This must have been an incredibly difficult decision for him.
“This is a highly pressured but vitally important role. And with the First Minister now having to find the SNP’s third transport minister this year alone, Humza Yousaf must find someone who will bring some continuity to this role.”
The role of transport minister has an important connection to Shetland given that the government oversees the Northern Isles ferry service.
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