Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes to stand down as MSP in 2026

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Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced she will stand down at next year’s Holyrood election.

In a letter to First Minister John Swinney, the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP said she did not “wish to seek re-election and miss any more of the precious early years of family life”.

Ms Forbes is expected to remain in her role until the Scottish parliament election, scheduled for May 2026.

Mr Swinney paid tribute to his SNP colleague for her “invaluable contribution to public life over the last 10 years”.

Ms Forbes said it had been an “incredible privilege” to serve those in the Highlands since 2016.

She wrote: “I am in no doubt about the scale of my duties as a local representative, an activist and campaigner, and a government minister.

“Quite rightly, this job entails long days far from home, constant attention and total dedication.

“As I consider the upcoming election and the prospects of another term, I have concluded that I do not wish to seek re-election and miss any more of the precious early years of family life.”