Early setback for Forbes’ bid for first minister as some supporters bail

Kate Forbes’ bid to become Scotland’s next first minister lost her support from some of her fellow SNP MSPs, as she denied her campaign had been derailed by comments over gay marriage.

 

The SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch launched her campaign to succeed Nicola Sturgeon on Monday, describing herself as a “bold”, “brave” “unifier”.

 

The 32-year-old cabinet secretary for finance and economy said: “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.

 

“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.

 

“More than anything, we need a leader who is bold, brave and energised, fresh-faced and ready for new challenges.”

 

Ms Forbes, first elected to her seat in 2016, 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 fluent Gaelic speaker from Dingwall, and member of the Free Church of Scotland, was the third candidate to declare, alongside health secretary Humza Yousaf and the former community safety minister Ash Regan.

 

Within 24 hours of launching her leadership bid, Ms Forbes had lost the support of some MSPs following an interview in which she said that she would not have supported gay marriage as a “matter of conscience”.

 

Scottish Government ministers Richard Lochhead, Tom Arthur and Clare Haughey withdrew their support, as did health committee convener Gillian Martin and MP Drew Hendry.

 

Mr Lochhead said he felt the SNP “can’t have a party leader who’d vote against same sex marriage”.

 

Emma Roddick, SNP MSP in the Highlands and Islands, endorsed Mr Yousaf as “a passionate, progressive politician”.

 

“We LGBTQI+ folk see you when you decide equal rights – including equal marriage – isn’t a red line for you,” she said. “It always is for me.”

 

On Monday, Argyll and Bute SNP MSP Jenni Minto endorsed Mr Yousaf, saying: “The next leader of the SNP needs to be able to unite our party and country on the SNP’s vision for independence in Europe. I believe Humza Yousaf has the experience, passion and skill-set required to lead us to that vision.”

 

Alasdair Allan, the SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar said he was "delighted to give Humza my support."

 

Dr Allan said: "In my view, we need someone who can not only lead the party

 

but build a strong SNP-led government in Parliament and provide fresh ideas for the wider independence movement. Scotland needs independence now more than ever. For me, that person is Humza Yousaf."

 

He added: "I have known Humza Yousaf as a colleague and as a friend for many years, and believe he has both the ability and personality that we need to take Scotland forward as our next First Minister."

 

Despite the backlash, Kate Forbes said that she will continue to stand for now and still has the backing of many.

 

On welcoming the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch 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.

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

Brendan O’Hara, Argyll and Bute’s SNP MP had yet to declare which candidate he would be backing on Tuesday.