Kate Forbes Steps Down What This Means for SNP Leadership and Scotland Future

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Kate Forbes’s announcement to step down as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) and Deputy First Minister in 2026 marks a significant moment in Scottish politics. At just 35, Forbes has been widely regarded as one of the most promising talents in the Scottish National Party (SNP), known for her distinctive blend of fiscal conservatism, social traditionalism, and dedicated public service. Her decision is driven publicly by a desire to prioritize her family life, particularly the early years of raising her young daughter, but it also carries deep political implications for the SNP and the future of Scotland’s independence movement.

Forbes began her political career in 2016 as MSP for Skye, Lochaber, and Badenoch and quickly rose to prominence by becoming Scotland’s first female Finance Secretary in 2020. She earned respect across political and business circles for her economic acumen and a pragmatic approach to governance. Despite this, her 2023 leadership bid for the SNP was narrowly defeated by Humza Yousaf. Her stances on socially divisive issues, including same-sex marriage and transgender rights, stirred controversy both within and outside the party, reflecting tensions between the SNP’s progressive and more conservative wings.

As Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic since May 2024, Forbes helped balance the SNP’s internal factions, projecting an image of unity and competence ahead of the upcoming 2026 Holyrood elections. Her departure removes a pivotal centrist and economically cautious voice within the party and leaves an electoral gap in her Highland constituency, presenting opportunities for opposition parties like the Liberal Democrats.

Beyond internal politics, Forbes’s exit raises questions about the SNP’s strategy towards Scottish independence. Her decision to leave shortly after First Minister John Swinney outlined a renewed independence plan suggests she may doubt the near-term feasibility of achieving this goal. It underscores possible fractures in the party over how aggressively to pursue independence and the kind of leadership needed going forward.

Her departure also shines a light on the challenges faced by politicians balancing demanding public roles with family life, especially when residing outside Edinburgh, as Forbes commuted weekly from the Highlands. Despite Holyrood’s family-friendly design, operational realities make it difficult for MSPs with young children to maintain work-life balance.

Kate Forbes’s political journey was marked by authenticity and conviction, often shaped by her Christian faith and service-driven approach. While these qualities earned her admiration, they also created resistance in some quarters, limiting her leadership prospects. Her forthcoming absence is seen by many as a significant loss for the SNP, removing a voice that could appeal to broader electorates and bridging divides within the party.