A smiling Kate Forbes as she arrived at Bute House
By Angus Cochrane
BBC Scotland News
Kate Forbes has returned to the Scottish government as deputy first minister.
The former finance secretary was appointed by new first minister John Swinney after opting not to run against him for the SNP leadership.
She will replace Shona Robison, who said she had offered to step down from the role but would be willing to take up another cabinet post.
Ms Forbes said she was “deeply honoured” to accept the position.
Mr Swinney is making cabinet appointments at his official residence, Bute House, after being sworn in at the Court of Session.
Ms Forbes, who has spent more than a year as a backbench MSP after stepping down from government in March 2023, had been promised a “significant” role in the government.
In a statement, Ms Robison said she had told Mr Swinney last week she believed stepping down in favour of Ms Forbes would help to bring the SNP together.
“I told you I believed this would strongly signal that for all of us in government, this is the best approach to showing we are united and ready to serve the people of Scotland,” Ms Robison said.
“It is also in the best interests of your leadership and for the party; and both of us have always put public duty and the interests of the party over and above any self interest.”
In her letter to the first minister, she added: “You have indicated you are keen I remain in government, and I have said I am committed to serve in cabinet in whatever role you see fit.”
Image source, PA Media
Shona Robison says she offered to step down as deputy first minister
Mr Swinney, in a written response, said he was “deeply” appreciative of Ms Robison’s offer to “step aside from the role”.
Several other cabinet members, including Health Secretary Neil Gray, Energy Secretary Mairi McAllan and Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, have also been seen entering Bute House.
Further announcements are expected on Thursday afternoon.
The cabinet appointments will be formally approved in parliament on Thursday.
Image source, PA Media
Mairi McAllan has entered Bute House as John Swinney selects his new cabinet
Ms Forbes returns to government after more than a year on the backbenches.
She quit government in March 2023 after narrowly losing out to Humza Yousaf in the SNP leadership contest and rejecting a demotion to a rural affairs minister.
The Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP had enjoyed a rapid rise following her election to parliament in 2016, aged 26, becoming Scotland’s first female finance secretary in 2020.
After being named deputy first minister, Ms Forbes said: “This is a moment of extraordinary privilege for me. Having previously served in cabinet, I know the duty that all ministers have to reflect the government’s priorities and the missions that drive them.”
Mr Swinney said Ms Forbes was an “immensely talented politician”, adding: “Her new role will prove critical as we focus on our key commitments of eradicating child poverty, investing in public services and supporting economic growth.”
Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie – who served with Ms Forbes in government for more than 18 months – has raised concerns about her return to office.
He said “a lot of people will be concerned about the appointment” unless Mr Swinney recommitted his government to “progressive” policies on climate, social rights and taxation.
Mr Harvie also posted a “no right turn” sign on X.
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During the 2023 SNP leadership campaign, Ms Forbes came under fire for her views on gay marriage, abortion and trans rights. A member of the Free Church of Scotland, she said that having children outside of marriage was “wrong” according to her faith.
She also said she was opposed to the SNP government’s power-sharing Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens. The collapse of the Bute House deal last month led to Mr Yousaf’s resignation.
Mr Harvie said the new deputy first minister had expressed “quite startlingly social conservative views” in the last SNP leadership campaign and said he would “welcome” a commitment from the government to a progressive agenda.
