Scotland's Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced she will not seek re-election as an MSP in 2026. The SNP politician said she wants to focus on her young family and avoid missing "any more of the precious early years of family life".
Forbes represents Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch and ranks among the SNP's most prominent figures. She finished second in the 2023 leadership contest that saw Humza Yousaf succeed Nicola Sturgeon as party leader.
Forbes steps back from politics
When John Swinney became First Minister last year, he appointed Forbes as his deputy and handed her the economy portfolio. The announcement marks a significant departure for the Scottish Government's senior ranks.
In a statement released on Monday, Forbes said she had reflected during the parliamentary recess before making her decision. She emphasised her continued support for Swinney and the SNP's independence campaign.
Career highlights and achievements
Forbes highlighted her extensive political career, which began when she was first elected in her mid-twenties. She said: "I presented multiple budgets, supported thousands of businesses and workers during Covid-19 and launched Scotland's most ambitious business start up network TechScaler."
The Deputy First Minister acknowledged the personal sacrifices involved in political life. She said: "I have grown up in the public eye, getting married, having a baby and raising a young family."
Swinney's response and tribute
First Minister Swinney responded with understanding and gratitude for Forbes' contributions. He praised her work on economic issues and her leadership in advancing support for the Gaelic language.
Swinney wrote: "We all wrestle with the inevitable conflicts between family and public life and I sympathise with the dilemmas you have faced." He wished Forbes, her husband Ali and their family "well and much happiness in the years ahead".
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
