Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Forbes returns as youngest deputy
KATE Forbes has become Scotland’s youngest ever deputy first minister as John Swinney announced a largely unchanged cabinet team.
Ms Forbes, 34, a former Holyrood finance secretary, had been tipped to run for the SNP leadership again after Humza Yousaf stood down, but she instead opted to back Mr Swinney and he went on to claim the position of party leader unopposed.
He has now rewarded her by making her his deputy, and also giving her responsibility for the economy and Gaelic.
By giving such a key role to Ms
Forbes, a critic of some policies during Mr Yousaf’s time in charge, Mr Swinney will hope to ease internal tensions within the SNP.
The new first minister assembled his cabinet hours after being officially sworn into the post at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
Mr Swinney said he is “committed to working collaboratively across the Parliament to address the pressing issues facing the people of Scotland”.
That will be required as the SNP is now a minority administration at Holyrood after Mr Yousaf tore up the powersharing deal the party had with the Scottish Greens – a move which ultimately led to his resignation.
Mr Swinney’s Cabinet includes eight women – thought to be the most ever – and two other men. Neil Gray, who was appointed health secretary earlier this year, stays in the post, while Angus Robertson remains constitution, external affairs and culture secretary.
Shona Robison, who had been deputy first minister under Mr Yousaf, loses that position but remains in the cabinet – keeping her finance brief and also taking on responsibility for local government.
Jenny Gilruth remains education secretary, Angela Constance retains her position as justice secretary, and Fiona Hyslop continues as transport secretary. Mairi Mcallan remains in the cabinet, while Shirley-anne Sommerville and Mairi Gougeon also continue in their previous roles.