Kate Forbes appointed deputy first minister of Scotland

John Swinney, Scotland’s new first minister, has appointed Kate Forbes as deputy first minister and economy secretary.

Forbes, who was beaten by former first minister Humza Yousaf in last year’s leadership election, said being given the role was a “moment of extraordinary privilege”.

She decided not to run for leader of the Scottish National party after Yousaf’s resignation just over a week ago. Swinney had promised her a significant government role as he seeks to reunite the party.

Forbes will work with Swinney to support economic growth, invest in public services and eradicate child poverty, a statement said.

Shona Robison has stepped down as deputy first minister but will remain in cabinet handling finance and local government.

“I have selected a cabinet team that blends experience and energy, with a strong focus on the priorities my government will pursue — eradicating child poverty, driving economic growth, meeting climate obligations and investing in our vital public services,” Swinney said.

He described Forbes, who in 2020 became Scotland’s first female finance secretary, as “an immensely talented politician”.

A committed Christian, she is on the right of the party in terms of social and economic policy. Socially conservative views aired during her leadership campaign last year about issues such as gay marriage damaged her standing among liberals.

Swinney has pledged a moderate centre-left policy platform that addresses mainstream concerns as he seeks to roll back a surge in support for Scottish Labour that could result in the loss of many seats in central Scotland at the general election expected this year.

Forbes takes over the economy brief from Màiri McAllan, who keeps her net zero and energy responsibilities in cabinet.

Other key ministerial posts remain unchanged. Parliament will hold a vote on the new cabinet on Thursday.

Swinney, who led the nationalist party in opposition between 2000 and 2004, was earlier on Wednesday sworn in as head of the Scottish government at the Court of Session.

The 60-year-old Swinney, who won a parliamentary ballot to succeed Yousaf on Tuesday, told journalists after the ceremony at Scotland’s highest civil court that taking the oaths of office had been an “overwhelming moment”.

The former deputy first minister and finance secretary has said he will work with parties across Holyrood to deliver legislation as a minority government. 

Swinney has also pledged to spend time persuading Scots about the benefits of independence rather than focusing on the mechanisms needed to leave the UK.

Former first minister Yousaf, who jettisoned his Scottish Green coalition partners from government, had to resign when they refused to back him in a no-confidence vote last month.

The Greens have said they will support the minority SNP government if it pursues progressive policies.

Lorna Slater, the party’s co-leader, said both Swinney and Forbes stood for election on manifestos that included gender recognition reform and a ban on conversion therapy.

“Will they (Swinney and Forbes) continue to govern based on the mandate they have or will they change their direction,” she asked.

The Greens will also be monitoring whether climate policies are watered down or delayed. “That is what the Scottish Greens will continue to push for,” Slater added.