Scotland's Cabinet revealed: Kate Forbes takes on economy portfolio as Shona Robison keeps finance brief

Kate Forbes has become Scotland’s youngest ever Deputy First Minister and taken on the economy portfolio as John Swinney announced a largely unchanged Cabinet team.

Former Holyrood finance secretary Ms Forbes, 34, was tipped to run as SNP leader after Humza Yousaf stood down - but instead backed Mr Swinney.

He has now aimed her as his deputy, with responsibility for the economy and Gaelic. Ms Forbes was a critic of some policies under Mr Yousaf's leadership, and Mr Swinney will hope her appointment could ease internal party tensions.

The new First Minister assembled his Cabinet hours after being officially sworn into the post at the Court of Session in Edinburgh. He said he was “committed to working collaboratively across the Parliament to address the pressing issues facing the people of Scotland” through his minority SNP government.

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

Neil Gray, who was appointed Health Secretary earlier this year, stays in the post, while Angus Robertson remains Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Secretary.

Shona Robison, who had been deputy first minister under Mr Yousaf, loses that position but remains in the Cabinet – keeping her finance brief and also taking on responsibility for local government.

Former teacher Jenny Gilruth remains Education Secretary, Angela Constance retains her position as Justice Secretary, and Fiona Hyslop continues as Transport Secretary.

Mairi McAllan remains in the Cabinet but with a slightly slimmed down brief – she had been the net zero, wellbeing economy and energy secretary, but now has responsibility for net zero and energy.

Shirley-Anne Sommerville and Mairi Gougeon also continue in their previous roles – as Social Justice Secretary, and Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Secretary respectively.

Mr Swinney added: “I have selected a Cabinet team that blends experience and energy, with a strong focus on the priorities my Government will pursue – eradicating child poverty, driving economic growth, meeting climate obligations and investing in our vital public services.

“My overriding priority will be to work to eradicate child poverty in Scotland, an issue on which real progress has been made through measures such as the Scottish child payment.

“The Government I lead will maximise every lever at our disposal to tackle the scourge of poverty in our country.”

Kate Forbes said she was “deeply honoured” to be appointed as his deputy, describing it as an “extraordinary privilege”.

She added: “I look forward to working with John and Cabinet colleagues, delivering for the people of Scotland and building a better country.”

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