SCOTLAND’S Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes announced today that she will not run for re-election as an MSP next year.

The member for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch said that she had reflected over the recess and decided she does not want to “miss any more of the precious early years of family life.”

Ms Forbes finished second in the 2023 leadership election, which saw Humza Yousaf succeed Nicola Sturgeon as party leader.

She was appointed to her post and put in charge of the government’s economy portfolio when John Swinney became first minister last year.

In a statement, she said: “I remain wholly supportive of the First Minister just as when I backed him to be leader of the SNP and I look forward to campaigning for the SNP at the next election — to lead Scotland to independence.

“I now wish to step back from my public duties and focus on new opportunities to serve people.

“I have grown up in the public eye, getting married, having a baby and raising a young family.

“I have consistently put the public’s needs ahead of my family’s during that time. I am grateful to them for accommodating the heavy demands of being a political figure.

“Looking ahead to the future, I do not want to miss any more of the precious early years of family life — which can never be rewound.”

Mr Swinney wrote back to her saying he understood her decision and thanking her for her contributions.

Scottish Labour’s deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said that she wished Ms Forbes well, before adding she was part of a “tired government with no vision.”