Humza Yousaf and Kate Forbes have emerged as the two leading candidates in the race to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister of Scotland. Both candidates are young – Yousaf is 37 and Forbes is 32 – and each has a unique background and set of beliefs.
Forbes is a member of the socially conservative Free Church of Scotland and has stated that she would not have supported the controversial bill proposed by the Scottish government to make it easier to legally change gender. She believes that her religious beliefs should be considered in the election, but as a “servant of democracy” she would defend the right of anyone to live and love without harassment or fear.
Yousaf speaks proudly about his Muslim faith and observes Ramadan by fasting. He favours challenging the British government’s decision to block the passage of the Gender Recognition Reform Bill. In contrast, Forbes dismissed this approach, stating that her polling indicates that people want the SNP to focus on other issues, such as the National Health Service and the cost of living crisis.
Both candidates concur that Scotland’s independence can only be achieved through economic growth and competent leadership. Yousaf argued that the case for independence should be bolstered until it is the settled desire of the Scottish people and the means for achieving it become clear.
Since the SNP has been in power for sixteen years, this government, like all others, is exhausted. The new leader must address a variety of issues, including excess deaths, NHS waiting times, drug-related deaths, and the achievement gap between rich and poor students.
The outcome of this leadership contest could have significant ramifications for Scotland’s future, with Labour closely watching for a chance to recoup some of the ground lost in the 2014 referendum. It will be some time before we can determine whether or not the Scottish National Party has truly turned the corner.
Humza Yousaf, Kate Forbes, and Ash Regan are the leading candidates for the position of First Minister of Scotland. Yousaf and Forbes are from different backgrounds and adhere to different ideologies, but they concur that competent government and economic growth are essential to achieving Scottish independence. With Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation after 16 years in power, this leadership contest could have significant implications for Scotland’s future and its 316-year-old campaign to end its union with England.
