This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Iain Gray moves to become Enterprise Minister
04/05/2002
Iain Gray, currently the Minister for Social Justice,
has been appointed as the new Minister for Enterprise,
Transport and Lifelong Learning in the Cabinet.
He takes over the portfolio from Wendy Alexander who
resigned yesterday. Mr Gray's former deputy at Social
Justice, Margaret Curran, is appointed Social Justice
Minister.
Mr McConnell said:
"Iain Gray is an experienced and talented Minister who
has a proven track record in dealing with a wide range of
challenging issues in his previous roles at Justice and
Social Justice, in particular the successful housing stock
transfer ballot - the biggest single public sector
modernisation project in Europe.
"I know that he has the skills and ability to drive
forward the economic strategy that we have developed with
the business community and which will bring higher growth
rates and more employment to Scotland.
"Iain shares my commitment to continuing to develop and
consolidate the relationships forged with the business,
transport and learning sectors. Both he and I will continue
our programme of meeting key business leaders over the
coming months to continue that essential dialogue."
Iain Gray said he was delighted at the appointment. He
added:
"This is an exciting opportunity to drive forward the
Smart, Successful Scotland economic strategy that is
central to the Executive's vision for Scotland.
"I am absolutely delighted to be given the chance to
work with the business, transport and learning communities
in a portfolio that will be vital in building for the long
term.
"A strong economy is the cornerstone of a successful
Scotland - a Scotland where the opportunity gap is closing
and where everyone has the chance to achieve their full
potential. I look forward to the challenging of helping to
achieve that."
The First Minister also announced today that former
deputy Minister for Social Justice Margaret Curran has been
appointed Minister for the portfolio.
Commenting on the appointment of Margaret Curran, Mr
McConnell said:
"Margaret has worked tirelessly for social justice since
entering Parliament and I am confident she will bring the
same enthusiasm, energy and commitment to her new job that
she has shown as deputy. I want to close the opportunity
gap in Scotland and Margaret Curran is just the person to
do make a difference."
Ms Curran said:
"I am delighted to accept this important job. It has
many challenges not least transferring Glasgow's housing
stock and defeating child poverty but I am confident this
government can change Scotland for good and look forward to
working with my ministerial colleagues."
Mr McConnell also announced that Hugh Henry, currently
deputy Minister for Health, has been appointed as deputy
Minister for Social Justice while Frank McAveety will
replace Hugh Henry as deputy Minister for Health.
The ministerial appointments announced by the First
Minister today are subject to the approval of the Queen and
agreement by Parliament.
Biographies
Iain Gray
The MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands was born in Edinburgh in
1957. He was educated at Inverness Royal Academy and George
Watson's College, Edinburgh. He later achieved BSc (Hons)
Physics and Cert Ed Secondary Maths/Physics.
He was a secondary school teacher for seven years in the
Lothians and two years in Mozambique. He has also worked
for OXFAM for over 12 years and has travelled in Africa and
South America. He is campaign manager for OXFAM in
Scotland. Ian Gray is a member of TGWU and ACTS. He has
been married twice and has one daughter and two
stepdaughters.
Margaret Curran
The MSP for Glasgow Baillieston was previously a
lecturer in community education and an election agent.
She graduated from Glasgow University where she studied
History and Economic History. Ms Curran has a wide-ranging
experience of local government and community education
work, and is particularly interested in education and
economic and urban regeneration
Hugh Henry
The MSP for Paisly South was born in
Glasgow in 1952, Hugh Henry was in local government from
1984 to 1999. He was leader of West Renfrewshire council
from 1995 to 1999. He is a Bachelor of Accountancy and is a
member of the TGWU and is married with two daughters and
one son.
Frank McAveety
The MSP for Glasgow Shettleston was a
councillor for Glasgow District Council from 1988-95 and
Glasgow City Council from 1995-99. Born in Glasgow in 1962,
he obtained BA Joint Honours (English and History) at
Strathclyde University in 1983. He also obtained a Post
Graduate Secondary Teaching Certificate.
A secondary school teacher from 1984-98,
he was involved with the Arts and Culture Committee from
1992-97 where he was initially a Vice Convenor then
progressed to be Convenor. He is a member of the EIS and
T&G unions. He played a major role in delivering local
housing strategy and chaired the area committee, which
resulted in Regeneration Priority Partnership Area status
for Greater Easterhouse. He was a Board Member of Glasgow
Development Agency, Chair of Glasgow Alliance and Board
Member of The Arches Theatre Company and Citizen's Theatre
Company. He is married with two children; a son
and daughter.