Highland MSP and finance secretary Kate Forbes will go on maternity leave from July 16 making her the first serving cabinet secretary in the Scottish Government to do so and in her absence her portfolio will be covered by John Swinney
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Highland MSP and finance secretary Kate Forbes has confirmed that she will go on maternity leave from July 16.
The Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Ms Forbes will be the first serving cabinet secretary in the Scottish Government to take maternity leave.
In her absence, deputy first minister John Swinney will take on responsibility for the finance and economy portfolio, that is on top of his role as Nicola Sturgeon’s deputy and responsibility for Covid recovery.
Ms Forbes will remain cabinet secretary for finance and the economy while on leave, resuming her duties upon her return.
She said: “I am looking forward to the new arrival as my husband Ali and I welcome our baby into the world.
"I will therefore be taking a period of maternity leave and it is good to know that my portfolio will be in the very best of hands.
“John Swinney’s vast experience in this brief means there is no-one better suited to taking on this role.
"I know that, during my time away, he will continue to drive forward this government’s ambitious programme of economic transformation and support for our public services.”
Mr Swinney said: “This is a really exciting time for Kate and everyone is incredibly happy about her news.
“The First Minister has asked me to cover the Finance and Economy portfolio until Kate’s return and, given this is something of a return for me, I am aware of the importance of the role. It is a real honour to take it on.”
