Alex Neil has resigned as Social Justice Secretary.

In a letter to Nicola Sturgeon, Mr Neil said he was standing down to concentrate on his constituency.

He has served as Social Justice Secretary for 18 months.

He tweeted: "A privilege to serve in @scotgov. Thanks to all I worked with, proud to have helped make Scotland a better place."

Ms Sturgeon thanked the Airdrie and Shotts MSP for his contribution to the SNP Government.

The Herald:

In a letter to Mr Neil, the First Minister wrote: "In your Cabinet and Ministerial roles, you have driven forward the Scottish Government's commitments to tackling inequalities and improving the delivery of health care services in Scotland.

Read more: Richard Lochhead 'to step down from Scottish Cabinet'

"I know you will continue to be a first class representative for your constituents in Airdrie and Shotts for this coming term of Parliament."

Mr Neil first stood as a candidate for the SNP in the Glasgow Central by-election in 1989 and has been a MSP since 1999.

Richard Lochhead this morning also confirmed that he would be stepping down from the Scottish Cabinet.

The rural affairs minister said he was leaving because he wants to 'change the priorities' of his life following his wife's diagnosis with breast cancer.