Scottish politician and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government since 2026
The Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) has shown a reduced deficit of 25.3 billion for 2025/26, with the deficit at -10.9% of GDP. Revenues rose by 6.9% to 98.3 billion, while spending reached 123.6 billion. Projections note North Sea revenue fell, and questions about independence’s long-term fiscal path persist.
The Scotsman reports that SNP governance faces scrutiny over Monklands Hospital funding promises. Critics argue the project was unaffordable and that voters were misled before the election. Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir foreword and John Swinney’s defence spark further debate about the SNP’s record and future path.
Nicola Sturgeon is central to a flurry of Fringe remarks, with JK Rowling and Joanna Cherry attacking her leadership and SNP finances. Sturgeon says she is not at war with Rowling, while critics press questions about Peter Murrell’s embezzlement case and SNP governance.
The Teaching Regulation Agency has banned Tandy L’Enfant from teaching indefinitely after findings that she amended coursework and submitted grades not supported by pupil work across multiple classes. The proceedings spanned 2023–2026, with allegations triggering internal school investigations and formal TRA action. The panel emphasised deliberate dishonesty and subversion of the national qualification’s integrity.
Kigali has expanded dedicated bus lanes and introduced a pilot airport shuttle to improve reliability and cut travel times. The reforms, delivered by Ecofleet Solutions, include fixed schedules, longer bus corridors, new routes and planned electric buses. Early data show higher ridership and shorter journeys, with ongoing route adjustments and a focus on preventing buses from leaving terminals until full.
A series of proposals around council tax, stamp duty and land value tax are attracting attention as policymakers consider how to reform property taxation. The debate spans mansion taxes in Scotland, and broader reforms that could affect ownership costs and mobility.
McGill’s Buses has challenged a ScotZeb funding decision after Ember secured £13m to buy 100 Chinese electric coaches. The move will not replace any diesel buses, and McGill’s argues the process lacks transparency. A legal appeal is now underway.