Kate Forbes MSP set to stand down as next election

ONE of the highest profile politicians in the Highlands has announced she will stand down at the next election.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes MSP, has confirmed she will not seek re-election in the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.

She is MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch and has been re-elected with resounding majorities.

The MSP, who has a constituency office in Dingwall, has long been seen as a rising star of the party since first being elected in her 20S.

She said: “I have informed my Constituency Association today that I do not intend to seek re-election in May 2026.

“It has been a great honour to serve Highland communities for almost a decade. I am grateful to every voter who re-elected me at the last election with the biggest majority in Scotland.

“I have also been privileged to serve in Government, first as Minister for Public Finance, then as Cabinet Secretary for Finance and most recently as Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic.

“As I reflected over recess, I have concluded that I do not wish to seek re-election for another five-year term in the Scottish Parliament.

“All politicians face a choice at every election to stay on the same path or not.

“Quite simply, I’ve decided on the latter. 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.

“I was first elected in my mid-twenties, 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. 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. 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. 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.

“I am very grateful to everybody I've worked with - in my constituency office, the party and Government. It’s not an easy environment and I will leave public office with the highest respect for the journalists who hold us accountable, MSPs across the chamber and hard working volunteers in every community.”

In a letter to the MSP, and his deputy, First Minister of Scotland and SNP Leader John Swinney said: “Thank you for your letter advising me of your intention not to seek re-election to the Scottish Parliament next May. I am sorry that you have taken this decision but recognise and understand your reasons for doing so.

“I have deeply valued the contribution you have made to the work of the Scottish National Party and the Scottish Government and am pleased we will continue to benefit from that in the approach to the May 2026 elections.

“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.

“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.

“With thanks and warmest regards.”

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