Drew Hendry ends his support for Kate Forbes' SNP leadership bid
Another initial backer of Kate Forbes' SNP leadership bid has withdrawn his support.
Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry has said he cannot continue to back the Highland MSP's bid to be the next First Minister following her comments in an interview yesterday when she revealed she would not have voted for equal marriage.
She had already lost the support of Moray MSP Richard Lochhead and some others.
- Same sex marriage stance sees Kate Forbes lose support of Richard Lochhead
- Kate Forbes says campaign ‘not over’ as MSPs withdraw support amid backlash
Ms Forbes said she would have voted against gay marriage in Scotland at the time it was made legal almost a decade ago.
The finance secretary – who is against Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan in a battle to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader and First Minister – said in an interview that she would not have backed the legislation, but would have “respected and defended the democratic choice that was made”.
It came hours after she launched her bid for leadership, receiving backing from Mr Hendry among others.
However, now Mr Hendry has changed his mind, saying: "One of the biggest assets as a nation is the plurality and respect with which our communities approach sensitive issues.
"As a Highland MP, I know how important it is to bring people together and understand the plurality of opinions in all parts of society, including churches and across our communities.
"I also know what a compassionate, effective, and fair constituency MSP Kate is, and, as such, she is well respected by our constituents and by me.
"That said, while I wish her well for the future, my focus now is on ensuring we can bring people across communities, of all faiths – and none – back to a position of love, understanding, and, above all, respect. To that end, sadly, I cannot continue to back Kate’s leadership bid."
