A bold statement from Kate Forbes, Scotland's former Deputy First Minister, has sparked a conversation about the challenges of motherhood and political leadership. Forbes, a rising star in Scottish politics, has revealed that the role of a mother is more demanding than running a country.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Scotland, Forbes opened up about her decision to step away from politics and focus on her family. She emphasized that nothing, not even the top political position, could tempt her back into the political arena. With a firm conviction, she declared, "From the very depths of my heart, I have no intentions of returning to politics."
Forbes' journey into the political spotlight began in 2020 when she was promoted to Finance Secretary following Derek MacKay's resignation. She made history as the first woman to deliver a Scottish Budget with less than 24 hours' notice. However, her path was not without challenges, especially when she became a mother to her daughter Naomi in 2022.
"It was after having Naomi that I realized I didn't have to continue down this path," Forbes shared. "I had choices, and I chose my family."
The decision to prioritize family over politics is not unique to Forbes. In 2021, four female MSPs cited family reasons for not seeking re-election, and this year, seven MSPs, all female, have chosen to leave after just one term. This trend has raised concerns about the challenges young women face in balancing their political careers and family life.
Forbes has been vocal about the limited support for working parents in the Scottish Parliament. She criticized the creche facilities, available for only three hours a day, from Tuesday to Thursday. The Scottish Parliament acknowledged the limitations due to space but assured they were exploring ways to support members with caring responsibilities.
"I am not the first, and unless changes are made, I won't be the last," Forbes said. "So many parents understand the guilt and pressure of trying to balance it all."
Since announcing her departure, Forbes has received an outpouring of support from other women facing similar struggles. "Being a mum is harder than any job, even the second-biggest job in the Scottish government," she emphasized.
Forbes' experience as a mother and politician has led her to believe that a mother could become First Minister of Scotland, but with the right support systems in place. "It's possible, but only with adjustments," she said. "The government and civil service must recognize the unique challenges a mother in such a position would face."
This conversation highlights the need for a nuanced discussion about work-life balance, especially for women in leadership roles. Forbes' story serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most important decisions are those that prioritize our personal lives over professional achievements.
