SNP leadership candidates make their pitch as vote opens
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The ballot for SNP members to vote for a new party leader opened at noon today – as the three leadership candidates have made their pitch on the SNP website.
All three candidates prepared a short statement to accompany ballot packs, and the hopefuls have recorded a short video for the SNP website.
In her pitch, Kate Forbes said: "This election contest is about independence. It is about who is best equipped, and who has the best plan to achieve independence.
"It is also about the society we want Scotland to be – where equality of opportunity is the birth right of every child, and poverty becomes history."
Ash Regan said: "My priority as leader will be to deliver effective government that responds to the needs of the people of Scotland.
"At the same time, we will build the foundations for independence through a dedicated Independence Commission, and launch a new independence campaign, through a National Convention."
And finally Humza Yousaf said: "Only with independence can we unleash our nation’s potential. Independence is normal and inevitable.
"As SNP leader and First Minister, I will build support for independence to new heights, where the will of the Scottish people can no longer be denied."
SNP National Secretary Lorna Finn said: “The ballot for SNP members to vote for a new party leader is now open and the three candidates to become SNP leader have made their pitch to SNP members on our website.
“On my instruction Mi-voice is sending emails to all eligible party members this afternoon with a link that allows them to vote online, and anyone without a validated email address is automatically sent a paper ballot.
“All three of the candidates have engaged in a nationwide campaign.
"They’ve taken part in nine party hustings – eight of them covering every Scottish Parliamentary regional area.
"It’s been full houses across Scotland and tens of thousands more people have tuned in to SNP digital platforms to watch online.
“Never has there been so much interest in a party leadership contest in Scotland. So, I thank Kate, Ash and Humza for sharing their vision and plans and for all their efforts so far.
“The campaigns and tv debates continue but now the ballot is open, on a one member one vote basis.
"The ballot will remain open until noon on Monday, March 27.”
