John Swinney, recently inaugurated as Scotland’s seventh First Minister, has appointed Kate Forbes as Deputy First Minister in a cabinet shuffle that left many roles unchanged. Forbes, at 34, is the youngest ever to hold this position and will also take charge of the economy and Gaelic affairs portfolios. Her appointment represents Swinney’s commitment to unify the Scottish National Party (SNP) and address critical issues such as child poverty, economic growth, and climate commitments.

Kate Forbes returns to frontline politics after a stint on the backbenches following her narrow defeat to Humza Yousaf in a previous SNP leadership contest. Her comeback has stirred mixed reactions due to her association with the Free Church of Scotland and her conservative views on issues like gay marriage and abortion, which highlight her social conservative stance. Nonetheless, First Minister Swinney praised Forbes as an “immensely talented politician” whose presence in the cabinet is vital for driving forward governmental priorities.

The cabinet reformation occurs under the backdrop of the SNP operating as a minority administration, requiring the support of other parties like the Scottish Greens to pass legislation. This strategic move is seen as instrumental in ensuring political stability and unity within the SNP.

This cabinet will face formal approval in Parliament, where it aims to set its agenda towards eradicating child poverty, supporting economic initiatives, and fulfilling climate-related obligations while investing in public services. The inclusion of eight women in the Cabinet also marks a notable step towards gender representation in Scottish politics.