Kate Forbes Delivers Final Holyrood Speech, Urges New MSPs to Champion Joyful Debate
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has made what is likely her final address in the Scottish Parliament, passionately urging Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) elected in May to "exemplify the joy of dispute and debate" in their service to constituents. The Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP, who is stepping down at the upcoming election, delivered these remarks on Wednesday, marking the end of a notable decade-long career in Holyrood.
A Decade of Service and Reflection
In her speech, Ms Forbes reflected on her journey since being elected at age 26, stating, "I feel like I’ve squeezed multiple lifetimes into the last 10 years, and I certainly barely recognise the young woman who was elected 10 years ago." She emphasised her appreciation for intelligent debate and good-natured disagreement, highlighting how these elements have been central to her political experience. "Above all else, I have always enjoyed the intelligent debate, constructive engagement, and sometimes I’ve even been able to make a difference," she added.
Ms Forbes underscored the importance of respectful discourse in democracy, noting, "Our democracy relies on debate – debate requires at least two people who disagree, and disagreement does not require bitterness, animosity or malice." Her call to action for the next Parliament is to foster an environment where robust yet respectful arguments prevail, serving the public effectively.
A Varied and Impactful Career
Kate Forbes has had a diverse and influential tenure in Holyrood over the past decade. She made history as the first woman to deliver a Scottish budget, stepping into the role of finance secretary after her predecessor Derek Mackay resigned amid scandal. Widely regarded as a future first minister, she was appointed by Nicola Sturgeon and later returned early from maternity leave to campaign for the leadership.
However, her campaign faced challenges due to her staunchly religious views on issues like abortion and marriage, leading to her loss to Humza Yousaf. After a year on the backbenches, she returned to government as Deputy First Minister under John Swinney, following Yousaf's resignation. Her career exemplifies resilience and dedication to public service.
Farewell to a Colleague: Shona Robison's Exit
Also making her final planned intervention on Wednesday was Finance Secretary Shona Robison, who is concluding a 27-year career as an MSP, with 19 years spent in government, including as deputy to Humza Yousaf. In her farewell, Ms Robison expressed gratitude to her officials, parliamentary staff, and constituents in Dundee City East, stating, "It’s been my absolute pleasure to serve for almost 27 years." Her departure marks the end of an era in Scottish politics.
The simultaneous exits of Forbes and Robison signal a significant shift in Holyrood's landscape, with both women leaving behind legacies of public service and advocacy for constructive political engagement.
