Kate Forbes appointed as new deputy First Minister
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Kate Forbes has been appointed Deputy First Minister by John Swinney, it has been announced.
Last week, the new First Minister revealed he had offered the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP a “significant” role in the government.
This comes after Ms Forbes was considered among the potential candidates to enter the race to succeed First Minister Humza Yousaf after his resignation.
She described the appointment as a “moment of extraordinary privilege”.
She 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 served as the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy from 2020 to 2023 and became the first Cabinet Secretary to take maternity leave in 2022.
She will support the First Minister in ensuring the Scottish Government is focused on supporting economic growth, investing in public services and eradicating child poverty.
Her Cabinet role will be confirmed in due course.
The First Minister 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.”
