Here’s a bold statement: being a mother is harder than running a country. At least, that’s what Scotland’s deputy first minister, Kate Forbes, has openly admitted. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite her high-profile role in government, Forbes has stepped away from politics entirely, prioritizing family life over the demands of her career. And this isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a spotlight on a much larger issue: the near-impossible juggling act faced by working mothers, even in positions of power.
Forbes, the MSP for Skye, Lochaber, and Badenoch, recently revealed that managing a high-stakes government job, a young family, and a grueling 168-mile weekly commute to Edinburgh became an unsustainable challenge. In a candid interview with BBC Scotland, she declared, ‘From the very depths of my heart, I have no intentions of coming back to politics.’ Not even the allure of the top job could tempt her. ‘I can’t promise you what I’ll be doing at 75,’ she added, ‘but I have no desire to return to frontline politics anytime soon.’
This decision came as a shock to many, especially given Forbes’ rapid rise in the SNP government. Just three months ago, she announced she wouldn’t stand in next year’s Scottish election, a move that left many questioning the sacrifices women in politics must make. Forbes, once hailed as a rising star, became the first Scottish minister to take maternity leave in 2022 after the birth of her daughter, Naomi. But it was her return to work that exposed the cracks in the system.
‘Every day felt like an exercise in logistical impossibilities,’ she admitted. Despite Holyrood’s claims of being family-friendly, the reality is stark. The Scottish Parliament’s crèche facilities, for instance, are only available for three hours a day, three days a week—hardly sufficient for working parents. ‘Unless anything changes, I’m unlikely to be the last,’ Forbes warned, highlighting the pressures and guilt parents face in balancing work and family.
And this is the part most people miss—Forbes’ experience isn’t unique. Four female MSPs cited family as their reason for not seeking re-election in 2021, and this year, seven more—all women—are leaving after just one term. Among them is Natalie Don-Innes, a promising junior minister. The question looms: why are so many talented women stepping away from politics to focus on family? Is it a personal choice, or a systemic failure?
Forbes has been vocal about the need for change. ‘Being a mum is harder than being deputy first minister,’ she asserted, drawing from her own experience. She’s called for better support systems, including flexible working hours and robust childcare options. ‘It would need civil service support,’ she noted, ‘including recognition that a mother in a leadership role will need help with her children.’
Her journey also sparks a broader conversation about faith, family, and public perception. During her leadership campaign, Forbes faced criticism for her views on issues like gay marriage and gender. ‘The problem with our media culture is there’s no space for nuance,’ she reflected. When asked how she’d respond if one of her daughters came out as gay or trans, her answer was simple: ‘Exactly as any mum would—with love and support.’
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Can a mother ever truly thrive as Scotland’s first minister, given the current structures in place? Forbes believes it’s possible—but only with significant adjustments. What do you think? Is it time for governments to rethink how they support working parents, or is this an individual responsibility? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
