Neil Gray Scottish National Party (SNP)
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care since February 2024. MSP for Airdrie and Shotts since 2021, previously the Westminster MP for the same seat (2015-2021).
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 Health and Social Care since February 2024
› Previously Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy (2023-2024)
› MP for Airdrie and Shotts (2015-2021) before moving to Holyrood