Kate Forbes, the Scottish Government’s Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy & Gaelic, said on Monday she will not to seek re-election at the next Holyrood election in May, 2026.
Forbes said she did not want to seek re-election and “miss any more of the precious early years of family life.”
The MSP for Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch said she would step back from public duties “and focus on new opportunities to serve people.”
In a video announcement for her constituents, Forbes said: ” … for now, it’s time for something new for me and for somebody new for you.”
More than 20 SNP MSPs have now announced they will not seek re-election next year.
In a letter to First Minister John Swinney, Forbes said: “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 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.”
Forbes added: “I was first elected in my mid-twenties, dedicating my most formative adult years to public service. In that time, I presented multiple budgets, supported thousands of businesses and workers during Covid-19 and launched Scotland’s most ambitious business start up network TechScaler.
“I now wish to step back from my public duties and focus on new opportunities to serve people.
“I have grown up in the public eye, getting married, having a baby and raising a young family. I have consistently put the public’s needs ahead of my family’s during that time.
“I am grateful to them for accommodating the heavy demands of being a political figure. Looking ahead to the future, I do not want to miss any more of the precious early years of family life – which can never be rewound.
“I am very grateful to everybody I’ve worked with – in my constituency office, the party and Government. It’s not an easy environment and I will leave public office with the highest respect for the journalists who hold us accountable, MSPs across the chamber and hard working volunteers in every community.”
Swinney said he was sorry Forbes made has made the decision “but recognise and understand your reasons for doing so.”
The First Minister said: “I have deeply valued the contribution you have made to the work of the Scottish National Party and the Scottish Government and am pleased we will continue to benefit from that in the approach to the May 2026 elections.
“You have made a huge contribution to public life in Scotland and have been instrumental in making progress on economic issues for my government.
“You have much to be proud of in all of the work you have undertaken but I am especially heartened by the effect of your leadership on advancing support for the Gaelic language.
“We all wrestle with the inevitable conflicts between family and public life and I sympathise with the dilemmas you have faced. I wish you, Ali and your family well and much happiness in the years ahead.”