John Swinney has scrapped the role of Minister for Independence in the creation of his new cabinet yesterday.

The SNP politician, who took over as First Minister yesterday, conducted a cabinet reshuffle as one of his first acts in the new role.

The post, created by Humza Yousaf, was previously held by Jamie Hepburn. But Hepburn has since been moved to Minister for Parliamentary Business.

Just hours before the role was axed, Hepburn appeared on BBC Scotland’s Debate Night and was introduced as the Minister for Independence.

Asked whether he would still be in the job by Thursday, he said: "We shall see".

When he was asked if the role being scrapped would mean "independence is downgraded", Hepburn said: "No, I disagree. Independence will remain a priority."

Swinney was confirmed as the new leader of the SNP earlier this week after no other possible candidates came forward to challenge him for the position.

Humza Yousaf officially resigned as first minister on Tuesday, giving an emotional address in Holyrood.

He said it has been "an honour and a privilege" to serve the people of Scotland, adding that he has "deep respect for this parliament and to all of those in opposition and indeed to my own colleagues here alongside me."

Yousaf said: "That respect will always continue to be here."

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The former SNP leader resigned after ending the powersharing deal between the SNP and Scottish Greens last week.

He was facing one vote of no confidence tabled by the Scottish Conservatives, while Scottish Labour had tabled a second vote of no confidence in the Scottish Government as a whole.

Announcing his intention to resign, the outgoing First Minister admitted to having “underestimated” the level of hurt ending the power-sharing deal with the Greens would have.