Highland MSP Kate Forbes shares vision of 'country and party reborn' in last-minute plea to voters ahead of leadership vote deadline
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HIGHLAND MSP Kate Forbes has made a last-minute pitch to undecided SNP voters to trust her as the only First Minister candidate who can get Scotland out of "an endless constitutional loop".
The Ross-shire-based MSP, who emerged after a bruising first week of campaigning to lead many public opinion polls, made her passionate plea in a personal video message targetting party voters still to make up their minds.
The ballot of party members to elect a new leader will close at noon tomorrow with the result expected later in the afternoon.
Forbes says is the only candidate who “can reach across the political divide and convince No voters to think again” and that “without achieving that conversion of No voters, Scotland is stuck in an endless constitutional loop”.
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Forbes' bid confirms a week really is a long time in politics
After launching her campaign on February 20, the SNP leadership hopeful faced a tough first week back from maternity leave and was attacked for her personal views of gay marriage but has battled on and now commands continuous leads with the public in opinion polls.
She said: “This week we will elect a new leader of the SNP, and the Scottish Parliament will elect a new First Minister – so these next few days are of profound importance.
“Today, I want to speak directly to those SNP members who haven’t yet voted
“And I know from speaking to members across the country that lots of you are still deciding what to do. So my message to you in these last days is simple – I need your vote, Scotland needs your vote.
“Change happens only when we vote for it. Independence happens only if we win
“And it is clear that in this election, I am the only candidate who can deliver that ultimate prize for our nation. Only I can reach across the political divide and convince No voters to think again. Every poll in the campaign tells you that, and without achieving that conversion of No voters, Scotland is stuck in an endless constitutional loop.”
She continued: “So if you want to win, it is up to you to make it happen
“I have met so many people in the last weeks who have waited so long – for many a lifetime – to achieve Scottish independence. Give me your support and Iet’s get this done.
“As this campaign reaches an end, I have also been struck by the obvious desire of members, and voters, around the country for a new approach to politics.
“A reset in how we engage with each other. Honesty, candour, integrity in our party and in our government.
“I will fight for Scotland and I will win, but I pledge to do it in a better way – an approach which shows the SNP and Scotland at its best.
“That’s my mission – a country and a party reborn.”
She is battling for the leadership role against Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan.
Yousaf has also made his last pitch as the only candidate that can build the team needed to deliver independence.
Regan described herself as "the only candidate with a clear route map towards independence" stating: "No ifs, no buts. Independence, nothing less."
Watch this space for updates from the leadership race on Monday.
