2 weeks Ago By Sophie Perry
Former SNP finance secretary Kate Forbes will not run in the party’s leadership race, she has announced on social media – but fellow MSP John Swinney has confirmed that he plans to throw his hat in the ring. The MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch – who has faced controversy for her views on – was tipped as a favourite to succeed Humza Yousaf as Scotland’s first minister on Monday (29 April). In a statement released on X/Twitter on Wednesday afternoon (2 May), Kate Forbes has threw her support behind former deputy first minster John Swinney, saying she had “listened very carefully” and the two of them share a “a powerful common purpose for the country”.
“That includes a passion to revitalise our party, reach out to those who feel disempowered and reinvigorate the independence movement,” she wrote. “It also includes an understanding that economic growth and tackling poverty must again be key priorities, and that a just transition to ‘net zero’ must work with, and not against, our communities and businesses.” She added Swinney is “determined to return the SNP to governing from the mainstream” with a “competent, candid government earning the trust of the people”.
“That was the vision I offered in the last leadership contest & is evidently demanded by the Scottish public.” Addressing those who are disappointed she will not run, Forbes said: “I recognise many might be disappointed that I’ll not be contesting the position of Leader. To .
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