Will Swinney make Kate his deputy?

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.

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.’

A further party source said: ‘Deals are what happens in politics and this one makes sense, because Kate is a class act and everyone knows that – even those who might not agree with her views.

‘Having someone with her intelligence at your side would be invaluable. She is well known for her clear views but she is smart and it’s hoped she can bring the different sides together.’

Speaking last week, Mr Swinney described Ms Forbes as his ‘colleague and friend’, adding that she is an ‘intelligent, creative, thoughtful person who has much to contribute to our national life’.

He added: ‘If elected, I will make sure Kate is able to make that contribution.’

The possibility of her becoming his deputy, however, would almost certainly lead to a terminal rift with the Scottish Greens.

Another party source said: ‘The fallout from the split with the Greens remains a big problem and some want to appease them, while others want them cut adrift.

‘Having Kate as deputy won’t exactly help get them back on board, and then you have a problem with numbers when it comes to getting things done.

‘However, the overriding feeling is that Kate is a smart operator and having her as deputy would be a sensible move – not least given the lack of viable alternatives.’

There are currently 26 Scottish Ministers, but Mr Swinney and Ms Forbes are understood to be united in favouring a more ‘concentrated’ group.

Some Ministers, including those now worried about their political futures, have already privately voiced concerns – even before any official announcement over her appointment – that too much power has been conceded to Ms Forbes.

It was also reported yesterday that sources close to Mr Swinney expect him to ‘park’ policies that proved to be unpopular during the Green-SNP Bute House power sharing deal, which saw Green co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater handed Ministerial positions.

Mr Swinney has played down talk of any imminent independence referendum, saying that the party must firstly ‘win more hearts and minds.’

While pragmatists in his party may welcome the stance, it will inevitably spark unease among those for whom independence is the priority.

Mr Swinney also rejected suggestions that he would be an ‘interim’ or ‘caretaker’ leader. One of his senior Ministers appeared to suggest this may not be the case, with Economy Secretary Mairi McAllan saying that Mr Swinney was the right man ‘for the moment’.

Yesterday Mr Swinney declined to confirm any new position for Ms Forbes, saying: ‘Any discussion of appointments to Government before the election of the First Minister is entirely premature.’