Forbes made deputy FM as Swinney announces new Cabinet positions
Kate Forbes has been made John Swinney’s Deputy First Minister as the SNP leader assembles his Cabinet.
Ms Forbes had challenged Humza Yousaf for the SNP leadership last year, but opted not to stand against Mr Swinney, who had promised her a “significant” role in his Government.
He put party unity at the heart of his pitch to succeed Mr Yousaf as SNP leader.
Former finance minister Ms Forbes was the first to arrive at Bute House, the First Minister’s official residence in Edinburgh, yesterday as he put together his top table.
In a statement afterwards, Ms 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.”
Ms Forbes also takes on responsibility for the economy from Mairi McAllan, and for Gaelic. Shona Robison, Mr Yousaf ’s deputy FM, retains her role as Finance Secretary with responsibility for local government.
Mr Swinney said: “I am very pleased to appoint Kate as Deputy First Minister.
“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.”
Following the announcement, Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie said Mr Swinney must not water down the policies pursued by his party when it was in government.
He said: “There will be many people across our country who will be very concerned and who will want to know that this Scottish Government remains committed to a greener and more equal future for Scotland.
“When it comes to delivering fairer and more progressive taxation, a just transition from oil and gas and a watertight ban on socalled conversion therapy, it is vital that this Government does not dilute the longstanding commitments that it has made.”
Much of the Cabinet remains unchanged. Ms McAllan retains the net zero and energy portfolio; Jenny Gilruth remains education and skills secretary; Angela Constance carries on with justice and home affairs; and Fiona Hyslop stays at transport.
Neil Gray remains health and social care secretary; Shirley-Anne Somerville stays with social justice secretary; Angus Robertson holds constitution, external affairs and culture, and Mairi Gougeon remains rural affairs, land reform and islands secretary.
Earlier, Mr Swinney said being sworn in as Scotland’s new First Minister was an “overwhelming moment”.
Scotland’s most senior judge, Lord President Lord Carloway, presided over the ceremony at the Court of Session in Edinburgh yesterday where Mr Swinney was granted his official title of First Minister and Keeper of the Scottish Seal.
Mr Swinney raised his right hand as Lord Carloway read the oaths of office – for the role of First Minister, the Keeper of the Great Seal and the oath of allegiance to the King.
Mr Swinney’s family, including his wife Elizabeth, brother David and son Matthew, 13, watched on.
Kate Forbes is an immensely talented politician, and her new role will prove critical