Kate Forbes made Deputy First Minister as John Swinney appoints Scottish Cabinet

Kate Forbes has become Scotland’s youngest ever Deputy First Minister as John Swinney announced a largely unchanged Cabinet team.

Ms Forbes, 34, a former Holyrood finance secretary, had been tipped to run for the SNP leadership again after Humza Yousaf stood down just over a week ago, but she instead opted to back Mr Swinney and he went on to claim the position of party leader unopposed.

He has now rewarded her by making her his deputy, and also giving her responsibility for the economy and Gaelic.

The new First Minister assembled his Cabinet hours after being officially sworn into the post at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, and after he spoke to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Speaking after his top team was announced, Mr Swinney said he is “committed to working collaboratively across the Parliament to address the pressing issues facing the people of Scotland”.

That will be required as the SNP is now a minority administration at Holyrood after Mr Yousaf tore up the powersharing deal the party had with the Scottish Greens – a move which ultimately led to his resignation as first minister.

Mr Swinney’s Cabinet includes eight women – thought to be the most ever – and two other men.

• Kate Forbes, the youngest-ever Deputy First Minister, will take on the Economy portfolio and responsibility for Gaelic
• Shona Robison remains in Cabinet with responsibility for Finance and Local Government
• Jenny Gilruth remains Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
• Angela Constance remains Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs
• Màiri McAllan remains in Cabinet with responsibility for Net Zero and Energy
• Fiona Hyslop remains Cabinet Secretary for Transport
• Neil Gray remains Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
• Shirley-Anne Somerville remains Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice
• Angus Robertson remains Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture
• Mairi Gougeon remains Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands

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