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The former minister for rural affairs and the natural environment takes up the public health and sport role after her predecessor quit on Friday.
Mr FitzPatrick had faced persistent calls to resign after yearly figures released earlier this week showed a rise to a new record high of 1,264 drug deaths last year.
A motion of no confidence was tabled against Mr FitzPatrick after the latest figures recorded 1,264 drug-related deaths across Scotland in 2019 – a record high and the worst toll in the EU.
He confirmed he was quitting following a discussion with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Ben Macpherson is to become Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment, supporting both Roseanna Cunningham and Fergus Ewing where he will focus on the impacts of Brexit on the rural economy, support efforts to tackle climate change and to protect our wildlife and biodiversity.
Nicola Sturgeon appoints new Public Health Minister in bid to tackle pandemic
Mairi Gougeon will replace outgoing Minister Joe FitzPatrick.
18:35, 21 DEC 2020
Updated
Mairi Gougeon MSP (Image: Dumfries and Galloway Standard)
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Drug Consumption Rooms can save lives - we can t treat people if they re dead
The SNP MP for Inverclyde and vice chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on drugs reform policy gives his view on tackling Scotland s drug problems.
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Ronnie Cowan SNP MP for Invercyde (Image: Daily Record)
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