John Swinney to cover Kate Forbes' maternity leave

Kate Forbes' maternity leave is expected to begin on 16 July

Kate Forbes's role as finance secretary is to be covered by John Swinney while she is on maternity leave, the Scottish government has confirmed.

The job will be in addition to Mr Swinney's usual portfolio of deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for Covid recovery.

Ms Forbes will retain the title of cabinet secretary for finance and economy while she is off.

Her maternity leave is expected to begin on 16 July.

She will resume her duties when she returns on a date not yet agreed.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed earlier in the year that Ms Forbes would be welcome to return, saying having a baby "should never be a barrier to someone's career, especially women in senior leadership roles".

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Ms Forbes previously said she and her husband Alasdair MacLennan - who she married in Dingwall last July - were "looking forward to the new arrival."

"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," she said.

"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."

She confirmed her office and team would still be available to help residents in her Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency.

Moving portfolios

Mr Swinney said: "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."

The Scottish government said some of Mr Swinney's other current responsibilities would move portfolios.

A promise to care-experienced young people will become the direct responsibility of the first minister, co-ordination on UN treaty incorporation will go to the education minister, the local governance review will come under the social justice portfolio, and resilience will pass to the justice portfolio.

Ms Forbes became the first female finance secretary after the sudden resignation of Derek Mackay in 2020, and has been tipped as a possible future first minister.

Although Ms Forbes will be the first cabinet secretary to take maternity leave, Aileen Campbell took maternity leave while serving as minister for children and young people in December 2014.