Scotland’s Swinney Gives Rival Key Role in Bid for Party Unity

Kate Forbes arrives at Bute House, Edinburgh, on May 8.Photographer: Jane Barlow/PA
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Scotland’s new First Minister John Swinney appointed a political rival and past leadership candidate Kate Forbes as his deputy, in an attempt to unite his divided Scottish National Party ahead of a UK-wide election this year.

Forbes, a former finance secretary under long-time leader Nicola Sturgeon, had been widely expected to challenge Swinney for the top job, which was made vacant with the sudden resignation of Humza Yousaf just over a week ago.