The SNP's newly elected depute leader Keith Brown is leaving his post as Scotland's economy secretary and health secretary Shona Robison is stepping down as the First Minister reshuffles her Cabinet.

Brown will vacate his position in Nicola Sturgeon's government to lead the SNP's political campaigns, such as elections and the campaign for independence, as the party's first "dedicated" depute leader.

He was elected to the role, replacing Angus Robertson, at party conference earlier this month.

Shortly after winning the position, Brown told the Sunday Post it would not hinder his ability to serve in the Cabinet.

Communities, social security and equalities secretary Angela Constance, minister for international development and Europe Dr Alasdair Allan, community safety minister Annabelle Ewing and mental health minister Maureen Watt are also leaving the government.

In her resignation letter, Ms Robison said it was an "immense privilege" to serve as Health Secretary "albeit at times very challenging and all consuming".

She added: "I am perhaps most proud to have been the Cabinet Secretary to see our long fought for Minimum Unit Pricing legislation come into force.

"As you know this last year has been particularly challenging to me personally, losing both my parents, having a health scare of my own, and some big changes in my personal life.

"I thank you for your support during these difficult times. I feel that I have reached a point in my life just now where I would be best to step down from a role in Government."

Elsewhere, Derek Mackay will stand down as the party's business convener after seven years following the SNP conference in October.

He also currently serves as the Scottish Government's finance secretary.

Sturgeon's nomination for the party's next business convener, who chairs the SNP's National Executive Committee and national conference, will be announced in the autumn.

The First Minister will announce further changes to her cabinet over the course of Tuesday and Wednesday.

It is anticipated that the First Minister will seek to maintain the current 50/50 gender balance in her top team.

Sturgeon said: "Keith has done an excellent job as a government minister over many years and has many achievements that he can be very proud of, including overseeing the construction of the magnificent new Queensferry Crossing.

"However, he and I have decided that the time is right to ensure that the energies of the SNP leader and depute leader team are focused not just on delivering a strong SNP Government, but also a party operation that is from top to bottom, fit and ready for the opportunities that lie ahead."

The party revealed it had gained more than 5000 new members after SNP MPs walked out of Westminster in anger at a so-called "power grab" of responsibilities coming back from Brussels after Brexit.

Brown said: "It is a huge honour to have been elected depute leader of the SNP and I want to give my all to the role.

"Over the last few weeks, the public outcry over the Tory power grab has led to a further increase in our party membership and a refreshed debate about independence - and so it has become clear to me that we must capitalise on this moment.

"The First Minister and I have agreed that, as part of the leadership team, I should dedicate my time and energy to the role of depute leader."

He added: "In the coming days we will be appointing a team of MPs and MSPs to support this work and put the party on a campaign footing."