SACK THE CABINET

Salmond urges new first minister to purge failing SNP ministers

- CHRIS MCCALL

ALEX Salmond has urged the next SNP leader to axe failing ministers and inject fresh blood into a new-look Cabinet.

In a swipe at the ministerial team led by Nicola Sturgeon, he said those in charge of health, education and transport should be first for the chop.

Salmond, who served as First Minister from 2007-2014, claimed the Scottish Government was too often scoring "own goals".

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has come under fire over the NHS crisis while Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has failed to do a deal with striking teachers.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson has reponsibility for energy and net-zero over which the SNP has clashed with the North Sea industry.

Salmond told the Record: "They certainly should replace all three ministers and put in their place competent people to address challenges in these key areas.