Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced her intention to step down and not seek re-election at next year’s Scottish Parliamentary elections.

Forbes, who serves as the MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, cited childcare responsibilities as the main reason for her departure from office.

Her daughter turned three this month, and Forbes said she did not wish to “miss any more of the precious early years of family life.”

She will continue to serve her constituency and as deputy first minister for nine months until the May 2026 elections.

Forbes was first elected as an MSP in 2016, later serving as Scotland’s first female finance minister in 2020 under Nicola Sturgeon.

“I am in no doubt about the scale of my duties as a local representative, an activist and campaigner, and a government minister,” Forbes said in a letter to the first 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.”

She said that she will continue to support Swinney, and that she will campaign for the SNP in the next election to support Swinney for re-election as First Minister.

Swinney wrote that on social media honour Forbes’ decision: “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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Forbes was known for her depth of knowledge and strong recall of the facts shaping some of Scotland’s industries, as well as her strong support for the Scottish tech ecosystem. Forbes was responsible for tasking Mark Logan with the Scottish technology ecosystem review which delved into the struggles of the Scottish entrepreneurial ecosystem.

She has also commissioned the Pathways report form Ana Stewart and Mark Logan, and appointed Logan and later Stewart as Chief Entrepreneurial Advisors to the Scottish Government.

While Forbes may be remembered fondly for her pro-business campaigning, her conservative views on abortion, gay marriage, and trans rights have made her place in the Scottish government controversial.

She lost her bid for First Minister narrowly to Humza Yousef, and was appointed Deputy First Minister to John Swinney after supporting him in his bid for First Minister.