Initial terms of the Swinney-Forbes deal have been carried out. John Swinney has been sworn in as First Minister today and has just appointed Forbes to replace Shona Robison as deputy First Minister. Forbes says:
“I am deeply honoured to accept John’s invitation to be his deputy first minister. This is a moment of extraordinary privilege for me. I look forward to working with John and cabinet colleagues to deliver for the people of Scotland and build a better country.“
Blair and Brown paved the way…
UPDATE: Scolded Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie comes out to say: “I think a lot of people will be concerned about the appointment (of Kate Forbes) unless the Scottish Government and the First Minister sets out a clear commitment to a progressive vision for Scotland’s future.”
UPDATE II: Swinney scraps four ministerial positions, including Minister for Independence.
Read the full reshuffle below (nothing has changed):
In Henry Mance’s piece today for the FT, lunching with Nigel Farage:
“Splendido!” Farage says, when the drinks arrive; I suppose it’s a step to European reconciliation. We clink glasses, and he lights the first of two back-to-back Benson & Hedges. A few minutes later, we’re back downstairs. “Are you drinking? Good.” He orders a glass of Sauvignon blanc for each of us — not a bottle, “because it’s Lent” — followed by a bottle of claret, to have with our meal. They say Farage drinks less than he used to. They say a lot of things.”