Kate Forbes has been appointed as Scotland's first female finance secretary in a mini-reshuffle prompted by the sudden resignation of Derek Mackay earlier this month. She was appointed to the post 11 days after being asked to present the Scottish government's draft budget for 2020 with around 14 hours' notice. Mackay resigned after allegations erupted stating he had repeatedly texted a 16 year old boy.
One of the Scottish parliament’s newest MSPs, Forbes is considered the youngest cabinet secretary in the administration’s history, at the age of 29. As the SNP runs a minority government, Forbes now has to negotiate a deal with at least one other party to ensure the budget is passed on March 5. Forbes is not the only new addition, another new arrival Jenny Gilruth has been made minister of Europe and international development in her girst government appointment. She will support Mike Russell, the veteran cabinet secretary for the constitution and European affairs, whose brief has been expanded to include external affairs.
Another veteran SNP figure and a member of the Ewing political dynasty, Fergus Ewing has been handed over additional responsibility in the cabinet for tourism as well as being cabinet secretary for the rural economy.
