On Wednesday, in the Court of Session in Edinburgh, Mr. Swinney took the oath of office as the seventh first minister of Scotland.
Ms. Forbes, who declined to run for the SNP leadership, would have a “significant part” in Mr. Swinney’s cabinet, he promised.
Ms. Forbes, Nicola Sturgeon’s former finance secretary, has taken over as second in command from Shona Robison.
The new first minister revealed a substantially unchanged cabinet, with Ms. Robison still serving in the Scottish government.
The majority of women in Mr. Swinney’s cabinet are as follows: • Kate Forbes, the youngest-ever deputy first minister, will assume responsibility and the economy portfolio.
