Early set back for Forbes as candidates set out their stalls in leadership race

Lochaber and North Lorn SNP will continue to support Kate Forbes in her bid to become the next First Minister, although some disagree with comments made by the Lochaber and Badenoch MSP this week.

 

Within 24 hours of launching her bid to succeed Nicola Sturgeon, Finance Minister Forbes had lost the support of four MSPs following an interview in which she said that she would not have supported gay marriage as a "matter of conscience".

 

Despite the backlash across the media and within her own party, however, the popular politician has said she will continue to stand and still has the backing of many.

 

On welcoming the local MSP standing for party leadership this week, Brian Pearson, convener of Lochaber and North Lorn SNP branch said: "It offers the Highlands a chance to have a local politician as First Minister for the first time.

 

"We are aware of comments made recently by Kate in national press, and some of our membership won’t agree on these fundamental issues.

 

"We understand they will have an impact for some.

 

"Equal rights are fundamental to the beliefs of many of the members locally and I’m sure these will be discussed fairly in the leadership debate to enable members to reach their decision.

 

"We are looking forward to a respectful campaign that offers members the opportunity to choose not only their leader but the direction of the party moving forward. I’m sure our local members will make good use of the opportunity.

 

"We would also recognise the other candidates Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan and welcome a debate that also ensures the needs for the Highlands are considered."

 

Describing herself as a "bold", "fresh-faced" "unifier", Ms Forbes set out her stall on social media on Monday stating: "I want to lead our party into better days with integrity and commitment, for the sake of our children and my children."

 

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First elected to her seat in 2016, the 32-year-old Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy has been on maternity leave since last summer, meaning she has not participated in debates within the SNP about gender reform and independence strategy.

 

The former accountant and graduate of Cambridge and Edinburgh Universities, is the third candidate to declare, alongside health secretary Humza Yousaf and the former community safety minister, Ash Regan, who quit over the Scottish gender reforms.

 

Ms Forbes, a fluent Gaelic speaker from Dingwall and member of the Free Church of Scotland, which follows a strict interpretation of the Bible, told BBC Scotland she has “significant concerns” about self-identification and would not have voted for the Scottish Government’s bill in its current form.

 

In her video, Ms Forbes pitched: "Our nation and our movement are at a crossroads. The choices that we make in the next few weeks will have a profound impact on our future and our children's future.

 

"I cannot sit back and watch our nation thwarted on the road to self determination. Our small independence neighbours enjoy wealthier, fairer and greener societies, and so should we.

 

"We urgently need to unleash the full talent of the SNP, the wider Yes movement and the country at large. We need to choose strong, competent leadership to deliver independence.

 

"We need someone who can unite our party and our movement.

 

"Right now we also need someone with a grip on our economy and our finances. In the throes of a cost of living crisis, and the need to plan for independence, my years managing Scotland's budget and economy have given me the experience to do just that."

 

Last week Ms Forbes joined fellow Highland and Island politicians in tributes to Ms Sturgeon, who announced she is resigning.

 

You can read what your local MSPs and MPs said at www.obantimes.co.uk