Highland MSP stakes her claim for First Minister position
Kate Forbes decides to join in the race, with the independence movement "at a major crossroads"
Last updated 22nd Feb 2023
Kate Forbes has formally announced she is to stand for the First Minister's job - after Health Secretary Humza Yousaf and former Community Safety Minister Ash Regan added their names to those looking to replace Nicola Sturgeon.
Widely tipped to take part since the First Minister's announcement, the Finance Secretary's video message accompanying her Tweet said: "our nation and our movement are at a major crossroads. The choices that we make in the next few weeks will have a profound impact on our future and on our children's future"
Ms Forbes has long been seen as a potential successor to the First Minister.
She was thrust into the limelight by having to step in and deliver the Scottish budget at the eleventh hour in 2020 after her predecessor, Derek Mackay, resigned in disgrace.
The video message also said, "I can't sit back and watch our nation thwarted on the road to self-determination. Our small independent neighbours enjoy wealthier, fairer and greener societies and so should we.
"We urgently need to unleash the full talent of the SNP, the wider Yes movement and the country at large.
"We need to choose strong, competent leadership to deliver independence, the leadership that I can offer.
"I believe we need someone who can unite our party and our movement. I'm a unifier, I'll reach out and listen so that every member feels valued and able to contribute."
She also said that she has "the vision, experience and competence to inspire voters across Scotland."
Former SNP Westminster leader, and ex-Moray MP Angus Robertson has ruled himself out. The Edinburgh Central MSP tweeted a letter saying he had decided not to stand due to family commitments.
He wrote: "Since Nicola Sturgeon announced she is stepping down I have been encouraged by many to consider running for the SNP leadership and to become first minister.
"It is a real privilege and honour for people to wish me to stand and I am very thankful for their trust.
"However, as the father of two very young children the time is not right for me and my family to take on such a huge commitment."
SNP depute leader Keith Brown and Deputy First Minister John Swinney have also ruled themselves out, as have Stephen Flynn, the SNP's Westminster leader, Ukraine minister Neil Gray and the environment minister, Mairi McAllan.
Kate Forbes is currently MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, and she is a Free Church of Scotland member, which could be at odds with the wider party - and current policy - on some social issues, including the hotly-debated gender reforms blocked by the UK Government.
Candidates have until Friday to secure 100 nominations from at least 20 local branches to secure their place on the ballot, with the new SNP leader being announced on March 27th.