Kate Forbes: Deputy first minister to stand down as MSP

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes will stand down at next year’s Holyrood election.

The Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP, whose daughter turns three this month, said she did not want to “seek re-election and miss any more of the precious early years of family life”.

She will continue as an MSP for another nine months, with the Holyrood election scheduled for May 2026.

First Minister John Swinney said Forbes had made an “invaluable contribution to public life” over the past 10 years.

First elected in 2016, Forbes enjoyed a rapid rise to become Scotland’s first female finance secretary in 2020.

She was narrowly defeated in the 2023 SNP leadership contest by Humza Yousaf, returning to government as Swinney’s deputy last year.

In a letter to the first minister, Forbes said: “I am in no doubt about the scale of my duties as a local representative, an activist and campaigner, and a government minister.

“Quite rightly this job entails long days far from home, constant attention and total dedication.”

“As I consider the upcoming election and the prospects of another term, I have concluded that I do not wish to seek re-election and miss any more of the precious early years of family life.”

She said she remained “wholly supportive” of Swinney and would continue to serve her constituents “with diligence”.

The deputy first minister added: “I look forward to campaigning for the SNP at the next election, to return you as first minister for another term and lead Scotland to independence.”

Responding on social media, Swinney paid tribute to Forbes.

He posted: “The challenges of frontline politics are considerable, and I understand the decision she has made although I wish it was not the case.

“I am pleased that Kate will continue to serve in my government and to make a significant contribution to the work of the Scottish National Party.

“I wish her and her family well and for every happiness for the future.”

Forbes narrowly lost out to Yousaf in the 2023 SNP leadership contest, having been criticised for her views on gay marriage, abortion and trans rights during the campaign.

She returned to the backbenches but did not stay there for long.

After considering another leadership bid in 2024, she agreed to back Swinney and was rewarded with a role as his deputy.

Her brief also includes responsibilities for the economy and Gaelic.

“I just want to do a good job raising my family”.

That’s how Kate Forbes summed up her decision to leave frontline politics in exchanges with me this morning.

At the moment she has a four-hour drive from home to Holyrood at the start of each week and the same again going back.

The deputy first minister does not believe that lifestyle is compatible with bringing up her daughter who has just turned three.

Holyrood was set up to be a “family friendly” parliament but its hours of business and childcare arrangements do not make it so, except perhaps for those MSPs living in and around Edinburgh.

Whether you agree with her or not, Kate Forbes is one of the brightest talents in the Scottish Parliament and her departure will leave our politics much poorer.