THE ONLY GREEN IN CABINET

Forbes back in government as the Deputy FM after giving Swinney clear run at top job

- CHRIS MCCALL

She is the only new face as opposition parties hit out over new FM's 'uninspiring' line-up

KATE Forbes has returned to government for the first time since last year's bitter SNP leadership contest after agreeing not to scupper John Swinney's bid for the top job.

The 34-year-old was yesterday named Deputy First Minister as part of Swinney's 11-strong Cabinet-becoming the youngest person to hold the title.

But there was widespread surprise that the rest of the positions remained exactly the same as under Humza Yousaf.

Forbes' inclusion in the Cabinet was predicted after her talks with Swinney before she decided not to stand for the leadership.

But Swinney's decision to stick with exactly the same team as Yousaf was dismissed as "uninspiring" by Labour.

Forbes, the MSP for Skye and Lochaber, will serve as Economy Secretary as well as Swinney's deputy.

She replaces Shona Robison in the role, meaning Forbes will stand in for Swinney when he's on holiday or overseas on government business.

Robison, who chose to stand down as deputy first minister, will remain in the Cabinet as Finance Secretary. Swinney also kept faith with all Cabinet ministers previously appointed by Yousaf, leading to opposition claims he was serving up more of the same.

Jenny Gilruth remains as Education Secretary, Neil Gray is kept as Health Secretary and Angela Constance will continue to handle the justice brief.

Angus Robertson remains Constitution Secretary, while Mairi McAllan lost the economy portfolio to Forbes and will focus on net zero and energy.