New Deputy First Minister appointed

Kate Forbes has been appointed Deputy First Minister by new First Minister John Swinney.

She described it as a ‘moment of extraordinary privilege’.

Ms Forbes will support the First Minister in ensuring the Scottish Government is focused on supporting economic growth, investing in public services and eradicating child poverty. 

Her Cabinet role will be confirmed in due course.

The First Minister said: 

“I am very pleased to appoint Kate as Deputy First Minister and look forward to working with her in this new government.

“She is an immensely talented politician, and 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.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:  

“I am deeply honoured to accept John’s invitation to be his Deputy First Minister.

“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.

“I look forward to working with John and Cabinet colleagues, delivering for the people of Scotland and building a better country.” 

Background 

Ms Forbes has been a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency since the 2016 Scottish Parliament election. She served as the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy from 2020 to 2023 and became the first Cabinet Secretary to take maternity leave in 2022.