Kate Forbes returns to Scottish Government as Deputy First Minister

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Kate Forbes has returned to the Scottish Government for the first time since last year's bitter SNP leadership contest.The 34-year-old was today named Deputy First Minister as part of John Swinney's new-look Cabinet top team.The former finance secretary replaces Shona Robison in the role, who has chosen to stand down.Forbes is expected to support the First Minister in ensuring the Scottish Government is focused on supporting economic growth and eradicating child poverty.

The MSP for Skye and Lochaber 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."Swinney 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."Forbes was first promoted to a Cabinet position in February 2020 in dramatic circumstances after she was made Finance Secretary just hours before the Government was due to deliver its Budget.She stepped in to replace Derek Mackay after his sudden resignation after he was caught up in a sexting scandal.First elected as an MSP In 2016, Forbes was viewed early on as a political high-flyer.But her campaign to replace Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader in February 2023 quickly ran intro