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 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, but was narrowly defeated in the 2023 SNP leadership contest by Humza Yousaf.

In a letter to Swinney, the Highlands MSP 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.”

The deputy first minister, who took time away from politics to have her daughter Naomi in 2022, wrote : “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 the first minister 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.”

In response, Swinney paid tribute to Forbes.

He posted on X: “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.”