This week, the Scottish National Party (SNP) participated in its first televised debate, hosted by STV and moderated by presenter Stephen Jardine. The debate featured three candidates for the position of leader: Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf, and Ash Regan.
During the debate, Ms. Forbes and Mr. Yousaf clashed over their opposing views on same-sex marriage, with Mr. Yousaf claiming that support for independence would decrease if Ms. Forbes were to become leader due to her views on the subject. Following the debate, numerous SNP members expressed their disappointment with the candidates’ public infighting.
Ms. Forbes defended her remarks at a campaign event in Edinburgh on Wednesday, stating, “This is a contest to be the next first minister, and I believe the public and SNP members want to see somebody who has the courage to recognise what needs to change and who also recognises the need for a plan to deliver.”
The finance secretary added, “I believe it is possible to honour a government’s accomplishments while also leaving room for future inquiry.” She stated that she could unite the SNP’s “broad church” under her leadership.
The SNP, the ruling party in Scotland, held its first televised debate between its three leadership candidates on Tuesday. STV hosted the debate, which was moderated by presenter Stephen Jardine. The debate was attended by Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf, and Ash Regan.
Throughout the debate, Ms. Forbes and Mr. Yousaf clashed over their opposing views on same-sex marriage. Ms. Forbes defended her remarks at a campaign event in Edinburgh on Wednesday, stating, “This is a contest to be the next first minister, and I believe the public and SNP members want to see somebody who has the courage to recognise what needs to change and who also recognises the need for a plan to deliver.”
During the debate, Mr. Yousaf responded to Ms. Forbes by stating, “If change means shifting to the right, Kate, if it means rolling back progressive values, that is not the right change.” He then cited Ms. Forbes’s prior statements on same-sex marriage, asserting that they would cause some Yes voters to abstain from voting for independence.
Ms. Forbes responded by emphasising that she had made a “solemn and trustworthy commitment” to uphold and defend the rights of every Scot.
Following the debate, SNP members expressed their dissatisfaction with the candidates’ public infighting for the leadership position. MSP Emma Roddick tweeted, “It was completely bizarre to see an SNP MSP defend SNP policy on national television against a fellow cabinet member.” A month ago, I wouldn’t have believed that.” MP Pete Wishart characterised it as “extremely disheartening.”
Ms. Forbes defended her criticism of Mr. Yousaf in the SNP leadership contest, stating that it demonstrated her “honesty and candour.” She believes this is what the general public and SNP members seek in a potential leader. To be successful, according to Ms. Forbes, they require a leader who can take on Westminster.
Beginning on March 13, SNP members will be able to vote for Nicola Sturgeon’s successor, with the winner being announced on March 27.
After the first televised debate between Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf, and Ash Regan, the SNP leadership contest has taken a dramatic turn. During the STV-hosted and Stephen Jardine-moderated debate, Ms. Forbes and Mr. Yousaf clashed over their opposing positions on same-sex marriage.
Mr. Yousaf speculated that if Ms. Forbes were elected leader, support for independence would decrease due to her views on the subject. Many SNP members voiced their displeasure with the candidates’ public infighting in the aftermath of the debate. Despite this criticism, Ms. Forbes has defended her remarks, stating that they demonstrate her “honesty and candour,” qualities she believes the public and SNP members seek in a potential leader.
At a campaign event in Edinburgh on Wednesday, Ms. Forbes stated, “This is a contest to be the next first minister, and I believe the public and SNP members want to see someone with the courage to recognise what needs to change and the understanding that we need a plan to deliver.” She added that in order to be successful, they need a leader who can take on Westminster.
Beginning on March 13, SNP members will be able to vote for Nicola Sturgeon’s successor, with the winner being announced on March 27.
