Backing for Kate Forbes from cabinet colleagues as next First Minister
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Yesterday’s announcement by Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes means the number of candidates now officially aiming to lead the SNP and Scotland is three.
The first to declare was Ash Regan, the former minister who resigned over the gender recognition reform Bill, she was followed by health secretary Humza Yousaf who announced his intention to stand on Sunday.
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Ms Forbes has already attracted prominent backers, first out was Ivan McKee the Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, who said: “Delighted to be supporting Kate Forbes’ bid to become SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland. Kate has the talent, vision and commitment to lead us to independence and build a better Scotland.”
Her own deputy, Tom Arthur, the Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth, said: “I've worked alongside Kate Forbes in Parliament and in Government.
“I know she has the vision, experience and ability to make Scotland a more prosperous and fairer country; working with business, public and third sectors to deliver a wellbeing economy and build community wealth.”
While Jim Fairlie, the MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire retweeted her video announcement, saying: “This is what new leadership looks like.
"I am delighted to see Kate has put herself forward as the leader of the SNP. She is that energetic centrist candidate that we need right now to pull the party together with the wider yes movement, that will deliver our independence.”
Gillian Martin, the MSP for Aberdeenshire East and convenor of Health, Social Care and Sport Committee in Scottish Parliament, agreed, saying: “Kate Forbes has what it takes to be First Minister. I’m delighted that she has decided to stand.
“It was my pleasure to nominate her this morning. I’m happy to talk to any of my local members about why I think she can lead us to become a prosperous independent country for all.”
However, two Highland MSPs have not been swayed by Ms Forbes’ bid and backed rival Humza Yousaf – Highlands and Islands member Emma Roddick and Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Maree Todd.
