Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes will stand down at next year's Holyrood election. The Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP, whose daughter turned three this month, said in a statement she did not want to "seek re-election and miss any more of the precious early years of family life".

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes says she could return to politics in 20 years after stepping down in 2026 to focus on family life.

Ex-Scottish National Party leadership contender Kate Forbes has been accused of "abandoning the stage" by confirming her decision to stand down at next year's Holyrood election. Forbes, who serves as John Swinney's Deputy First Minister and represents Skye,