Former finance secretary Kate Forbes, who recently withdrew from the Scottish National Party leadership race to allow John Swinney to run unopposed, has been appointed deputy first minister. Swinney was sworn in as Scotland’s seventh first minister after his nomination by MSPs at Holyrood. He pledged to be inclusive as the first minister for all of Scotland.
Forbes, who narrowly lost to Humza Yousaf in last year’s leadership contest, was promised a significant role by Swinney. Following informal discussions last week, Forbes decided to support Swinney’s bid after he assured her of governing from the mainstream.
In a reshuffle where nine cabinet secretaries retained their portfolios, Forbes received the economy portfolio and responsibility for Gaelic language. Màiri McAllan retains her position with responsibilities for net zero and energy.
Forbes, returning to the cabinet after a brief stint in the backbenches, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Swinney praised her as immensely talented and highlighted her critical role in addressing child poverty, public service investment, and economic growth.
Her appointment signals support for SNP’s governing partnership with the Scottish Greens. Forbes has been a focus for concerns regarding party priorities amid divisive issues like gender recognition reform and hate crime act implementation.
Yousaf’s abrupt end to the partnership led to his resignation when the Greens supported a vote of no confidence against him, lacking sufficient cross-party support.