SNP politicians and members have expressed shock at the news that Kate Forbes will not seek re-election to the Scottish Parliament in 2026.
The Deputy First Minister and erstwhile SNP leadership contender announced the move today, saying that "after careful thought over the summer recess," she had told her local constituency association that she intends to step down.
The Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP added: "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."
John Swinney was quick to pay tribute to Forbes, writing on Twitter/X: "I pay tribute to Kate for her invaluable contribution to public life over the last ten years. The challenges of frontline politics are considerable, and I understand the decision she has made.”
He then added: “Although I wish it was not the case.”
This was the reaction of many within the SNP, some of whom expressed shock.
Health Secretary Neil Gray also said he was "very sorry" to hear the news but does "understand why".
The SNP MSP added: "She has made a substantial contribution to our movement & to Scotland. I know she’d have been right at the top of the SNP for years to come. Big miss on our benches, but I know she will also be missed in our Parliament."
Very sorry Kate to stand down in May, though understand why. She has made a substantial contribution to our movement & to Scotland. I know she’d have been right at the top of @theSNP for years to come. Big miss on our benches, but I know she will also be missed in our Parliament. https://t.co/Z0hsNCskls
— Neil Gray MSP (@neilcgray) August 4, 2025
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "The pressures on any working mum is considerable but to combine that with senior ministerial responsibilities alongside a young family while serving your constituency is colossal. I wish Kate and her family all the best for whatever comes next."
Forbes has one child, Naomi, with her husband Ali Maclennan.
Michelle Thomson, who will also be standing down as an MSP next year, said she was “sorry but not surprised” to see the news.
“Kate Forbes is a huge talent: appreciated for her ability to communicate complex issues clearly, her understanding of how to grow the economy - all skills much required for Scotland,” she said.
Former SNP MP Stewart McDonald said that he still hopes Forbes will one day become First Minister.
"I’m gutted by this news," he said.
"Kate has been a standout servant of considerable substance to her constituency, country and party - something politics needs more of, not less. I still believe she would’ve made an excellent First Minister and hope that day will perhaps still come."
Meanwhile, one of the two frontrunners to succeed Swinney, Mairi McAllan, sent her best wishes.
"For such a committed parliamentarian, minister and advocate for Scotland, this will not have been an easy choice but the best one, no doubt, for Kate and her family. From one busy mum to another, I send every best wish for the future," the Housing Secretary said.
The other frontrunner, [[SNP]] Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, added: "A massive loss for our party. Kate's resilience is near unrivalled, and the respect she rightly commands is clear in the comments coming from across Scotland today. A bright future awaits her and her lovely family, beyond the boundaries of political life."
“Totally gutted by this,” SNP communications officer David Mitchell also said.
Totally gutted by this. https://t.co/QjpVAEyaBu
— David Mitchell 🏴🇪🇺🇺🇳 (@dm180914) August 4, 2025
Activist Alex Gill added: “What a real shame. Wishing Kate all the best for the future.”
