Scotland's Economy Secretary reveals she's expecting her first child
Màiri McAllan hopes to send a signal “to all women and girls ... that starting a family should never be a barrier to holding senior positions"
Scotland's Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy Secretary plans to take maternity leave later this year, after announcing she's expecting her first child.
Ms McAllan will remain Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy while on leave, resuming her duties upon her return. She notified the First Minister of her good news at the beginning of the year. She said: “My husband Iain and I are delighted that we are expecting our first child in the summer, and very much look forward to welcoming this new addition to our family.
“In the meantime, I am laser focussed on delivering on my portfolio priorities including growing Scotland’s wellbeing economy, tackling the climate and nature emergencies and seizing the era-defining economic opportunities that lie ahead of us in our energy transition.
“I hope my example will send a strong signal to all women and girls – and to Scotland more generally – that starting a family should never be a barrier to holding senior positions within any organisation"
“I will spend the coming months setting the groundwork for all I believe needs to be done pursuant to this. That way, work can continue in my absence and I can seamlessly pick back up on my return.
“I hope my example will send a strong signal to all women and girls – and to Scotland more generally – that starting a family should never be a barrier to holding senior positions within any organisation and that, as a nation, we are stronger when our politics and government reflect our society.”
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I want to offer my very best wishes and congratulations to Màiri, Iain, and their family on this fantastic news, I am incredibly happy for them all.
“I am pleased Màiri has agreed to remain Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy while on leave, and take up her duties again upon her return after spending some treasured time with the exciting new addition to her family.”
Arrangements to cover her Ministerial responsibilities will be set out in due course.