John Swinney must keep the role of Housing Secretary or he risks stalling progress on the housing emergency, Shelter Scotland has warned.
In a call to the First Minister, the charity said Scotland cannot afford to put efforts to tackle the housing crisis at risk by playing a “game of political musical chairs”.
Mr Swinney is expected to form the next Government at Holyrood after winning the most seats at the election, although he will need the support of another party after falling short of a majority.
The SNP appointed Mairi McAllan as the first Housing Secretary in the history of devolution in June 2025 after the Scottish Government declared a national housing emergency.
Tackling the housing emergency and ending homelessness must be a top priority for our new MSPs
Shelter Scotland said the appointment led to the publication of the Scottish Government’s housing emergency action plan and the creation of the More Homes Agency, both of which the charity had campaigned for.
It warned the SNP that the role must continue if the Government is serious about tackling the housing emergency.
Shelter Scotland director Alison Watson said: “As MSPs gear up for a new Parliament and ministers are appointed, it is vital a dedicated Cabinet Secretary is appointed to give housing a voice around the Cabinet table.
“Progress stalled when housing was a junior role; new things happen when there is a dedicated voice for the housing emergency in Bute House.
“Tackling the housing emergency and ending homelessness must be a top priority for our new MSPs.
“When children in temporary accommodation are at a record high and social house building has plummeted to record lows, giving housing a voice in Cabinet is vital to give these issues the attention they need.
“Investing in social housing means investing in people’s health, education and in our communities.
“Our housing system is broken and biased. We know homelessness is caused by the political choice not to build enough social and affordable homes.
“Who becomes homeless is determined by poverty, race, experiences of care and the justice system. These are the people we see at Shelter Scotland.
“These are the people who need a voice around John Swinney’s Cabinet table. They cannot be an afterthought, and we cannot afford progress to tackle the housing emergency to be put at risk due to a game of political musical chairs.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The First Minister is expected to make Cabinet appointments next week.
“As we have previously stated, we will invest a record-breaking sum of up to £4.9 billion in a further major housing delivery programme supporting at least 36,000 affordable homes, estimated to provide family homes for up to 24,000 children.”