SNP's Kate Forbes QUITS parliament as Deputy First Minister hands in bombshell resignation letter
CALLING IT A DAY SNP's Kate Forbes QUITS parliament as Deputy First Minister hands in bombshell resignation letter
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KATE Forbes has said she will step down as an MSP after the next Holyrood election.
The Deputy First Minister made the bombshell announcement this morning.
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Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has said she will resign after next year's election
Credit: Alamy
In a letter to SNP leader John Swinney, she said she has given "careful thought" to her future over the summer holidays.
Ms Forbes is expected to carry on in her role as deputy FM until the Scottish Parliament election on May 7 next year.
In response, Mr Swinney said he understood her decision but added: "I wish it was not the case."
The Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP, wrote: "Dear John, After careful thought over the summer recess, I have informed the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch Constituency Association today that I intend to step down from the Scottish Parliament at the next election.
"It has been an incredible privilege to serve the people of the Highlands since 2016 as the Member of the Scottish Parliament for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch. In that time, I have also been grateful for the opportunity to serve in Government, initially as Minister for Public Finance, then as Cabinet Secretary for Finance and more recently as Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic.
"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.
"I remain wholly supportive of you today just as when I backed you to be Leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland, and I will continue to serve my constituents and the public with diligence over the next year.
"I look forward to campaigning for the SNP at the next election, to return you as First Minister for another term and lead Scotland to independence."
First Minister John Swinney said: ' I pay tribute to Kate for her invaluable contribution to public life over the last ten years. The challenges of frontline politics are considerable, and I understand the decision she has made although I wish it was not the case.
'I am pleased that Kate will continue to serve in my government and to make a significant contribution to the work of the Scottish National Party. I wish her and her family well and for every happiness for the future.'
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Ms Forbes was elected in 2016 and burst onto the frontline political scene four years later when she replaced shamed Derek Mackay to become Scotland's first female finance secretary.
In 2023, she ran to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as Nats leader but she narrowly lost out to Humza Yousaf.
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