Overview

• Forbes announced she will not seek re-election in May 2026 but will remain deputy first minister and MSP until the next parliament dissolves.
• She cited the long hours, extensive travel from her Highlands constituency and a wish to spend time with her young daughter as reasons for stepping down.
• In a letter to First Minister John Swinney she pledged to continue backing his leadership and to campaign for Scottish independence at the upcoming election.
• Swinney paid tribute to her decade of service in Holyrood and said he understood her decision even as he expressed regret that she was leaving.
• Her announced exit follows a wave of senior SNP figures planning to stand down and opens the door to contenders such as Westminster leader Stephen Flynn and housing secretary Mairi McAllan.