Family First: Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes Announces Departure from Politics

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has made the significant decision to stand down from her role as MSP at the upcoming Holyrood election in May 2026. Over the past decade, Forbes has been a pivotal force in Scottish politics, yet she expresses a desire to prioritize the early years of her daughter’s life, who recently turned three. In her own words, she stated, “I don’t want to miss any more of these precious early years of family life,” emphasizing the challenges of juggling her responsibilities as a public servant with her new life as a mother.

Forbes, representing Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, reflects on the difficulties of commuting long distances, with travel times reaching up to five hours between her home and the Scottish Assembly in Edinburgh. She noted that the current child care support for MSPs is insufficient, making it increasingly hard for her to manage work and family. Despite her pending departure, she has voiced commitment to support the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the upcoming elections and regards her work in politics fondly.

Her political journey saw a rapid rise from being first elected in 2016 to becoming Scotland’s first female finance secretary in 2020. Although she faced challenges during the recent SNP leadership contest, losing to Humza Yousaf, Forbes returned as Swinney’s deputy shortly thereafter, tackling responsibilities that included economic issues and the promotion of Gaelic culture. Her resignation is part of a wider trend, as over 20 SNP MSPs have opted out of seeking re-election, indicating a significant shift within the party.

First Minister John Swinney acknowledged her invaluable service, although he expressed regret over her decision. Other political figures, including Scottish Conservative MSP Meghan Gallacher and Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie, offered support and recognition of Forbes’ contributions while also signaling broader concerns about the state of the SNP and its future direction. Forbes’ departure symbolizes not just a personal choice but also a reflection of the challenges faced by politicians balancing demanding careers and family commitments in a system that is often not accommodating.

As she prepares to leave frontline politics, Forbes emphasizes her commitment to her family while still considering future opportunities within the political sphere. Her exit leaves a void in Scottish politics, raising questions about the changing landscape within the SNP and the implications for governance in Scotland.