Mhairi Black warns SNP could split if Kate becomes Forbes leader

Mhairi Black responded to the anger last month when Ms Forbes, Nicola Sturgeon’s current finance and business secretary, said she had not supported equal marriage, adding that it was “wrong” to have children outside of marriage .

At the time, Ms Black said that Ms Forbes’ views had alienated sections of the population and jeopardized the cause of independence.

Read more: Mhairi Black in scathing attack on Kate Forbes comments on equality

But now she has raised concerns that Ms Forbes winning the battle for the SNP leadership could split the party.

Speaking on The Bunker podcast, the Paisley MP insisted Ms Forbes’ views on social issues had been “damaging” to the party.

Asked if Ms Forbes, who becomes SNP leader, would split the party, she said: “Honestly, to tell you the truth, I don’t know.

“It’s very much a wait and see what happens. I don’t want to risk that at all, that’s why I support Humza.

READ ALSO: SNP Politicians Drop Support Of Kate Forbes After Opposition To Gay Rights

“I think he’s the best person to bring folk back together.”

Ms Black’s intervention comes after a poll for Channel 4 ahead of today’s SNP leadership debate which puts Ms Forbes eight points ahead of Mr Yousaf in the Scottish public.

The poll of more than 1,500 Scottish voters, conducted this week on Monday and Tuesday, was released tonight ahead of the second televised husting.

It showed that almost a third of the public (32 percent) ranked Kate Forbes as the best first minister of the three potential candidates.

24% of respondents named Mr. Yousaf the best First Minister, Ash Regan 8%.

READ ALSO: Forbes Favorite Contestant In SNP Leadership Race With Public

Ms Black previously tore up Ms Forbes’ view on equal marriage and accused the Treasury Secretary of making her feel “incredibly hurt” personally.

The SNP deputy leader in Westminster said claims by Ms Forbes that she was being “persecuted” or that there was a “conspiracy against her” were “at best utterly fanciful and at worst a dangerous conspiracy theory”.

Ms Black added: “Not only did Kate endanger many activists and members, she alienated large sections of the population before she even got started.

“We need and should expect better judgement, communication and leadership skills if we are ever to convince others of independence.”