SNP leadership contest: Kate Forbes says she wants to lead Scotland into 'better days' and declares nation must have tolerance as 'ruling ethic'

Would-be first minister Kate Forbes has told how she wants to “lead Scotland into better days” – but also insisted the country must have tolerance as its “ruling ethic”.

She spoke out after a row over her religious views dominated the first week of campaigning in the race to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as Scottish First Minister and SNP leader.

Ms Forbes suffered a backlash after she revealed she would not have voted for same-sex marriage. The Free Church of Scotland member also said having children outside of marriage was “wrong”, according to her faith.

Writing in The Times newspaper, Ms Forbes said: “If anything can be said of me in the past week, it is that I am willing to be honest and open, even at the cost of my leadership bid and my career.”

Finance secretary Kate Forbes. Picture: Fraser Bremner - Pool/Getty Images

She said her “vision” for Scotland was to be “a country where tolerance is the ruling ethic, differences are welcomed, fairness is the norm”. With the country at a “crossroads” following Ms Sturgeon’s dramatic resignation, she said she had a “radical new vision to inspire hope and confidence in these difficult days”.

Ms Forbes interrupted her maternity leave following the birth of her baby daughter last summer to run to be the next SNP leader. She said: “I want to lead Scotland into better days. I have a vested interest in achieving this, not least for the sake of my daughter’s future.”

Ms Forbes, the finance secretary, placed a strong emphasis on her economic credentials, stating: “Scotland needs a leader who is bold, brave and energised. My vision centres on delivering a strong growing economy that expands the tax base and reinvests in tackling poverty and making our public services sustainable.

“We need somebody competent, who voters trust, who speaks the truth, who has integrity and commitment.”

Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes received criticism from members of her own party after she said she would not have voted for same-sex marriage if she had been in office during the 2014 vote. PIC: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

She is running against health secretary Humza Yousaf and former community safety minister Ash Regan for the top job in Scottish politics. Ms Forbes added: “I’m the only candidate with a strong grip on the economy and our finances. Looking at the cost-of-living crisis, and the unrealised potential of some of Scotland’s key industries, we need to focus on the economy.

“All our work to tackle poverty and invest in public services relies on a growing economy.”

Ms Forbes pledged providing support to small and medium-sized firms would be a “greater priority” if she was the next first minister and also vowed to work with “key industries to ensure that they are well-placed to export and to attract talent”.

She added: “As first minister I will put economic development centre stage. I will maximise every opportunity to grow our labour market, including through immigration and a stronger commitment to training.”