Breaking: Kate Forbes confirms bid to become First Minister
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MSP Kate Forbes has confirmed that she will return early from maternity leave in order to stand for nomination as SNP leader.
The 32-year-old Cabinet Secretary for Finance said it was time to “unleash the full talent of the SNP, the wider Yes movement and the country at large.”
She pledged to stand on a ticket of competent leadership to deliver independence.
The MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch – who has a proven track record of delivering at both constituency and government level – is expected to deliver more detailed plans about her leadership bid over the coming days.
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Ms Forbes said: “The nation and the Yes movement are at a major crossroads. The choices we make in the next few weeks will have a profound impact on our future and our children’s future
“I cannot 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 can 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.”
She continued: “I believe we need somebody who can unite the party and the Yes movement. I will reach out and listen so that every member feels valued and able to contribute.
"That is important within the party, but it is also important if we are to persuade others of the merits of independence.
“We need a leader who is bold and brave and energised, who inspires confidence from the SNP membership and who inspires the confidence of the people of Scotland.
"From the youngest to the oldest, regardless of where you live or who you are. We need somebody who voters can trust, who has integrity and commitment.
"I am that leader – and I want to lead the party into better days.”
