Mairi McAllan Expresses Willingness to Consider Deputy First Minister Role
Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan has indicated she would contemplate taking on the position of deputy first minister if the opportunity arises following the upcoming Scottish Parliament election. The current Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, announced last year that she will not seek re-election in May, creating a potential vacancy if the Scottish National Party (SNP) returns to government.
McAllan's Response to Speculation
In an interview with the Press Association, Ms McAllan, who is widely regarded as a potential future leader of the SNP, addressed the possibility of stepping into the role. She stated, "I'll leave that to the First Minister of the day." However, she elaborated by saying, "I've considered every position that I've ever been offered in my party and in Government – I would consider it." She emphasized her commitment to serving Scotland, adding, "I always want to do my best for the SNP and for Scotland, so I would consider any offers post-election. But I'm focused just now on trying to get re-elected in Clydesdale."
Rapid Ascent in Scottish Politics
At 32 years old, Mairi McAllan has experienced a swift rise through the ranks of the Scottish Government. Originally trained as a solicitor, she began her political career as a South Lanarkshire councillor. Her trajectory accelerated when former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon appointed her as a special adviser on environmental issues.
After being elected to Holyrood in 2021, Ms McAllan spent only two weeks as a backbencher before Ms Sturgeon named her as a junior environment minister. By 2023, she was promoted to the role of net zero secretary by then First Minister Humza Yousaf. In this capacity, she was responsible for informing Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) that the government was abandoning its interim environmental targets, while reaffirming the commitment to achieve net zero by 2045.
Impact on Government Dynamics
This announcement had significant political repercussions, leading Scottish Green members to contemplate terminating the Bute House Agreement with the SNP. This internal conflict may have contributed to the eventual collapse of the agreement and the subsequent resignation of Mr Yousaf. Following these events, Ms McAllan retained her position under current First Minister John Swinney and transitioned to the role of Housing Secretary in June of last year after returning from maternity leave.
Her career path highlights her adaptability and the trust placed in her by successive SNP leaders, positioning her as a key figure in the party's future. As the election approaches, her potential elevation to deputy first minister remains a topic of keen interest within Scottish political circles.
