- Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes to leave politics after 2026 to focus on family.
- She criticizes Holyrood’s limited support for parents, especially working mothers.
- Forbes hints at a possible political return around 2046, keeping the door open.
Kate Forbes, Scotland‘s Deputy First Minister and a rising star in the SNP, has announced she will not seek re-election in 2026. Citing her desire to focus on her young family, particularly as her daughter prepares to start school, Forbes stressed that the demands of political life—compounded by long travel times between her Highland home and Edinburgh—made it increasingly difficult to balance her public and personal responsibilities.
In her announcement, Forbes expressed disappointment with the Scottish Parliament’s limited childcare resources, pointing out that a three-hour-per-day crèche simply doesn’t meet the needs of MSPs with families.
From Frontbench to Family: Kate Forbes Bows Out—For Now
Forbes’ decision arrives at a time of major transition for the Scottish National Party. With prominent leaders such as Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf also stepping away, the SNP faces a renewal phase ahead of the 2026 election. Forbes’ absence will be particularly felt due to her economic acumen and her status as a unifying figure across internal party divisions.
Her career has been marked by several key milestones, including becoming Scotland’s first female Finance Secretary at the age of 29. During her tenure, she managed pandemic-era relief budgets and spearheaded initiatives like TechScaler, aimed at fostering digital startups. Despite narrowly losing the 2023 leadership contest to Yousaf, her swift return as Deputy First Minister underscored her significance within the party’s ranks.
While her views on issues such as same-sex marriage and gender reforms generated controversy during the leadership race, Forbes maintained strong grassroots support, particularly among socially conservative SNP voters. Her ability to bridge policy and constituency work made her one of the SNP’s most recognizable and influential figures in recent years.
Critics and allies alike have acknowledged the challenge she has highlighted: the incompatibility between demanding political roles and the limited family support structures in place. Her departure shines a light on the broader issue of retaining diverse talent in politics, particularly among working parents. Forbes has not ruled out returning—hinting at a political comeback in 2046, a nod to her enduring passion for public service.
Kate Forbes’ departure may mark the end of an era, but it also sparks a necessary conversation about modernising political structures to support working families—ensuring that voices like hers can return stronger in the future.
“You can do anything, but not everything.” — David Allen
