Will Swinney make Kate his deputy? trends now
John Swinney is lining up Kate Forbes as his Deputy First Minister in a desperate attempt to ‘bind together’ his deeply divided party, The Scottish Mail on Sunday can reveal.
Senior SNP sources say Mr Swinney could also hand Ms Forbes the role of Finance Secretary – a Ministerial position which she previously held from 2020 until last year.
The powerful dual role for Ms Forbes would be a reward for her agreeing last week not to challenge Mr Swinney for the leadership of the SNP.
Mr Swinney, 60, is expected to become leader of the party – and First Minister – early this week if nobody else throws their hat in the ring. Leadership nominations will close at noon tomorrow.
Ms Forbes is a divisive figure among sections of the party with some not agreeing with her views
John Swinney is set to reward Kate Forbes for not challenging his leadership bid
It was also claimed yesterday that Mr Swinney is prepared to sack Ministers as part of a slimmed-down government.
It is thought that current Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary Shona Robison may be moved from her current role.
The SNP was thrown into a state of flux when Humza Yousaf announced last Monday that he was resigning as First Minister – and a party source said: ‘The SNP is now a deeply divided party, with sides who are miles apart.
‘There are those more traditional in their views and those who like to describe themselves as the “progressive” side of the party.
‘One side are interested in policies that affect the lives of many, such as the economy and the NHS, while the other is into identity politics and fixated on niche policies like gender reform. The result is deep division.’
The source added: ‘Clearly, John Swinney is the continuity figure, given his closeness to Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon, who remains a huge influence.
Kate Forbes is close to others and John has agreed to have her on the inside, with the signal it sends that she, and those loyal to her, have a relevance.
‘The problem is that she is so unpopular with some, including many who absolutely cannot and will not tolerate her, that there is a tangible risk that the whole thing could blow up.’
