Kate Forbes has taken an early lead among SNP voters in the battle to become the next First Minister

[Graham]

The poll, undertaken by Savanta for The Scotsman, is a blow for the health secretary, Humza Yousaf, who is the least popular of the front-runners for the SNP leadership among both the public and party voters.

Support for independence has also remained static demonstrating the degree to which constitutional sentiment is entrenched and goes beyond leadership personalities.

https://www.scotsman.com/news/politi...nation-4032286
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Much can change, and also it's members vote. Interesting to see what comes about with changes. Have not fully made up who I'd like to see in.

[billErobreren]

Who're you rooting for? I remember when Margo MacDonald was one of their loudest voices, love her or hate her, that woman was one of a kind.

[Graham]

Who're you rooting for? I remember when Margo MacDonald was one of their loudest voices, love her or hate her, that woman was one of a kind.

Margo MacDonald was one I liked too. Takes someone special to win a seat an independent.

Of the names so far, probably Kate Forbes(Gaelic speaking Christian), Keith Brown(Falkland war veteran & Royal Marine Commando) & Màiri McAllan was mentioned by my brother as someone to watch.

Angus Robertson would be popular within party, but feels a bit stale for me and possibly many normal voters.

[billErobreren]

Margo MacDonald was one I liked too. Takes someone special to win a seat an independent.

Of the names so far, probably Kate Forbes(Gaelic speaking Christian), Keith Brown(Falkland war veteran) & Màiri McAllan was mentioned by my brother as someone to watch.

Angus Robertson would be popular within party, but feels a bit stale for me and possibly many normal voters.

Think I remember Angus raising a decent amount of hell in Westminster, didn't think they'd find him stale back home.
We learn something new everyday. Guess if you've got a Falklands veteran as a contender, he's unlikely to have a wow factor matched against that when you're remembered for giving May the stinkeye at Westminster. Kate seems formidable on her own too, based on that CV of hers.

[Graham]

Think I remember Angus raising a decent amount of hell in Westminster, didn't think they'd find him stale back home.
We learn something new everyday. Guess if you've got a Falklands veteran as a contender, he's unlikely to have a wow factor matched against that when you're remembered for giving May the stinkeye at Westminster. Kate seems formidable on her own too, based on that CV of hers.

To be honest I just want someone who can steer the ship well. Britain had higher inflation than the majority of nations last year and expected GDP is going to be one of lowest this year. Work strikes are the worst I can ever remember it. Ambulance drivers, nurses, postal, teachers etc.. National strikes basically. Making the entire system underperform.

A Scots leader who can 'mitigate' England's stupid fuckups basically.

[Graham]

First poll of SNP Voters: Kate Forbes leads as SNP supporters prioritise cost-of-living and the economy
https://www.glasgowchamberofcommerce...d-the-economy/
24 Feb 2023

As the deadline for nominations in the SNP leadership election approaches, a new opinion poll of SNP voters sheds light on their preferences and priorities.

Commissioned by The BIG Partnership – Scotland’s largest integrated communications agency – the poll of over 1,001 Scottish adults who voted SNP at the 2021 Scottish Parliament election was conducted between Monday 20 February – Wednesday 22 February, after all three candidates had declared their bids. The opinion poll will be published by the BIG Partnership as part of a forthcoming Guide to the SNP Leadership Contest, designed to help Scottish business understand the dynamics of the leadership election and the implications for politics and public policy in Scotland.

The headline results:

• Most SNP voters surveyed (31%) don’t yet know who they will back. But of those declared, Kate Forbes leads the pack (28%), followed by Humza Yousaf (20%), and Ash Regan (7%).

• Most SNP voters surveyed (61%) want to see a referendum on Scottish independence at some point within the next 2 years, and three quarters of SNP voters (75%) want to see a referendum within the next 5 years.

• When asked about the different views and characteristics that are most important for a new SNP leader, most SNP voters surveyed think it’s important for the new leader to have a plan to tackle the cost-of-living crisis (58%), grow Scotland’s economy (53%), and improve health, education and other public services (53%). Only 5% of SNP voters think the new leader’s faith or personal beliefs are important.

• SNP voters surveyed think the cost-of-living crisis (65%) and the NHS (58%) are top priorities for the new SNP leader, followed by the economy and jobs (31%) and Scottish independence (30%).

• Support for the SNP among its 2021 voters remains strong, with only 12% of SNP voters surveyed indicating they are somewhat or very unlikely to vote SNP on their second vote now that Nicola Sturgeon is no longer SNP leader.

[Tooting Carmen]

Even though I don't agree really with Forbes' social conservatism, she seems a nice and principled lady who, moreover, has said explicitly she will not seek to impose her views when it comes to things like gay marriage.

[Graham]

Even though I don't agree really with Forbes' social conservatism, she seems a nice and principled lady who, moreover, has said explicitly she will not seek to impose her views when it comes to things like gay marriage.

Much of it also comes from that the opposition's not popular. Yousaf has faced a few battles within parliament as justice secretary and then NHS. Ash Regan is too unproven and radical to be taking seriously. Those upset maybe should have encouraged a better candidate.

Forbes was Cabinet Secretary for Finance and did fine, no mistakes. Compare that to before her, Derek Mackay faced scandal and she saved the party on that occasion.


It comes down to general competence.