Forbes leaving Scottish government for personal reasons, insists Yousaf deputy

Shona Robison says SNP leadership rival had taken decision to step back ‘to spend time with her family’

Kate Forbes wanted “time out of the spotlight to spend time with her family”, according to Humza Yousaf’s newly appointed deputy, Shona Robison, after his Scottish National party leadership rival announced she would be leaving the Scottish government rather than accept the rural affairs demotion he offered her.

Allies of Forbes described the offer – a significant step down from her previous position as finance secretary – as “an insult” after Yousaf offered her a role in his new cabinet as cabinet secretary for rural affairs and islands.