Mairi McAllan Scottish National Party (SNP)
SNP Cabinet Secretary and MSP for Clydesdale since 2021, McAllan is one of the youngest members of the Scottish Cabinet. A former corporate solicitor who also served as a special adviser to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, she has held the environment, net zero, and transport portfolios since entering Parliament and was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Housing in 2025.
Policy Positions
Scotland's Future
Core commitment. Independence referendum if SNP wins a majority. Describes independence as essential to Scotland's future prosperity.
NHS & Health
Continue current NHS investment. Deliver the long-delayed National Care Service. Maintain mental health funding expansion.
Housing
Continue the rent control framework introduced in 2022. Invest in social housing. Maintain existing tenant protections.
Climate & Transport
Net zero by 2045. Just transition fund for oil and gas workers. Active travel investment. (2030 interim targets were dropped in 2024.)
Tax & Public Spending
Maintain progressive Scottish income tax, which currently raises around £1bn more than the rest-of-UK equivalent.
Economy & Jobs
Support a just transition from fossil fuels. Protect free university tuition. Invest in creative industries and Scottish exports.
Education & Childcare
Protect free university tuition. Maintain national curriculum standards. Focus on closing the attainment gap.
Social Issues
Supported the Gender Recognition Reform Bill (subsequently blocked by the UK Government). Progressive social policy across all groups.
Track Record
› Cabinet Secretary for Housing since 2025
› Previously Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy (2024-2025)
› Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition (2023-2024)
› Former corporate solicitor and special adviser to the First Minister
› First elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2021 at age 28