Kate Forbes will not seek re-election in 2026
I remain wholly supportive of @JohnSwinney and I look forward to campaigning for @theSNP at the next
election, to lead Scotland to independence. https://t.co/6gwEaLdjCC — Kate Forbes MSP (@_KateForbes) August 4, 2025
The announcement comes just two days before the Deputy First Minister is due to be interviewed on stage at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as part of The Herald's Unspun Live series.
Ms Forbes had often been talked about as a potential leader of the SNP. Her decision to stand down could potentially clear the path for her only likely rival in the race, Stephen Flynn.
In her letter to John Swinney, the Deputy First Minister said the time away from home and her young family had taken its toll.
She said: "It has been an incredible privilege to serve the people of the Highlands since 2016 as the Member of the Scottish Parliament for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.
"In that time, I have also been grateful for the opportunity to serve in Government, initially as Minister for Public Finance, then as Cabinet Secretary for Finance and more recently as Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic.
"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 remain wholly supportive of you today just as when I backed you to be Leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland, and I will continue to serve my constituents and the public with diligence over the next year.
"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."
Ms Forbes is the 37th MSP to announce they won't be standing at next year's election. Of those, 25 are in the SNP.
Responding to the announcement, John Swinney paid tribute to Ms Forbes "for her invaluable contribution to public life over the last ten years."
He tweeted: "The challenges of frontline politics are considerable, and I understand the decision she has made although I wish it was not the case.
"I am pleased that Kate will continue to serve in my government and to make a significant contribution to the work of the Scottish National Party. I wish her and her family well and for every happiness for the future."
Scottish Labour Deputy Leader Dame Jackie Baillie said being an MSP was a privilege, but that the demands "can make for a difficult balance between our working and personal lives."
She added: In that spirit, I wish Kate all the very best in her future endeavours and hope that she can enjoy spending time with her family.
'But it cannot have escaped the notice of voters that many of the SNP's former rising stars are abandoning the stage, often to be replaced by defeated names of yesteryears and anonymous party apparatchiks.
"Kate Forbes was the future once - but now, like many of her counterparts in the SNP, she can see the writing on the wall. The truth is this is a tired government with no vision and no ideas."
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