Deputy role for Kate Forbes as Swinney appoints cabinet
KATE Forbes has been appointed as 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.
Mr Swinney 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 Mr Swinney’s official residence in Edinburgh yesterday as he put together his top table.
In a statement, 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.”
She succeeds Shona Robison as Deputy First Minister, who is moving to another role in government. Mr Swinney 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.”
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.”
As well as Ms Forbes, those seen entering Bute House for the Cabinet appointments included Wellbeing Economy, Energy and Net Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop and Health Secretary Neil Gray. Earlier, Mr Swinney was questioned on what role he planned to give Ms Forbes, but would say only that he was “a man of my word” – referring to his speech last week where he said he wanted her to have a “significant role” in his team.
He also 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 morning where Mr Swinney made his statutory declarations and was granted his official title of First Minister and Keeper of the Scottish Seal.