UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Kate Forbes will step down as MSP in 2026, citing a desire to prioritise family life after years of public service, including her role as Deputy First Minister.
As reported by The Independent, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has confirmed she will not seek re-election as an MSP.
What did Kate Forbes say about leaving politics?
Kate Forbes said she does not want to miss any more of her child’s early years, calling them “precious,” as she prepares to step down from her role as MSP.
After he was appointed First Minister last year, John Swinney brought Ms Forbes into his cabinet as Deputy and handed her the economy brief.
Sharing her decision on Monday, she said the parliamentary recess gave her time to reflect, leading to her choice not to run in 2026. She called it a “privilege” to have served in multiple government roles.
Ms Forbes stated,
“I remain wholly supportive of the First Minister just as when I backed him to be leader of the SNP, and I look forward to campaigning for the SNP at the next election – to lead Scotland to independence.”
She said,
“I was first elected in my mid-20s, dedicating my most formative adult years to public service. In that time, I presented multiple budgets, supported thousands of businesses and workers during Covid-19 and launched Scotland’s most ambitious business start-up network, TechScaler.”
The deputy first minister stated,
“I now wish to step back from my public duties and focus on new opportunities to serve people. I have grown up in the public eye, getting married, having a baby and raising a young family.”
She said,
“I have consistently put the public’s needs ahead of my family’s during that time. I am grateful to them for accommodating the heavy demands of being a political figure.”
Ms Forbes added,
“Looking ahead to the future, I do not want to miss any more of the precious early years of family life – which can never be rewound.”
What did John Swinney say about Kate Forbes’ resignation?
In his reply, John Swinney said he respected Ms Forbes’ decision and praised her for her significant contribution to public service.
He stated,
“You have made a huge contribution to public life in Scotland and have been instrumental in making progress on economic issues for my Government. You have much to be proud of in all of the work you have undertaken, but I am especially heartened by the effect of your leadership on advancing support for the Gaelic language.”
Mr Swinney added,
“We all wrestle with the inevitable conflicts between family and public life, and I sympathise with the dilemmas you have faced. I wish you, Ali and your family well and much happiness in the years ahead.”
Political career of Deputy First Minister and First Minister
Kate Forbes’
- Kate Forbes became MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, replacing Dave Thompson.
- She started as Minister for Public Finance and later became Finance Secretary.
- Ms Forbes lost to Humza Yousaf in 2023, facing criticism for her conservative views.
- John Swinney made her his deputy in 2024, also giving her the economy and Gaelic portfolios.
- In August 2025, she announced she won’t run again, choosing to focus on family.
John Swinney’s
- Mr Swinney has served since 1997, first as MP and then as MSP since 1999.
- He led the party during tough elections before stepping down.
- He was Finance Secretary during the 2008 crisis and Deputy First Minister under Sturgeon.
- Mr Swinney came out of retirement to lead the SNP and became First Minister after Yousaf quit.
Key facts about the Scottish National Party
- SNP wants Scotland to leave the UK and rejoin the EU.
- Formed by merging two parties, grew under leaders like Salmond and Sturgeon.
- Has ruled since 2007 and holds 60 out of 129 seats in 2025.
- Lost big in the 2024 UK election, now holds only 9 Westminster seats.