Kate Forbes declares 'it's a free world' as she shrugs off being snubbed by senior SNP members

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Kate Forbes has declared "it's a free world" as she shrugged off being snubbed by senior Nationalists during her campaign to become SNP leader.The finance secretary launched her bid to replace Nicola Sturgeon last week but soon faced a storm after sharing her personal views on social issues such as gay marriage and children born to unmarried couples.Humza Yousaf, the frontrunner to become the next First Minister, has since racked up a string of endorsements from SNP top brass including Ian Blackford, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Jenny Gilruth and Michael Matheson.On a campaign visit to the Cairngorm Brewery in Aviemore today, Forbes said it was "ultimately for SNP members to determine the outcome".Asked if she was being ganged-up on after Blackford became the latest high-profile Nat to back Yousaf, she said: "I believe this is a contest and it's ultimately for SNP members to determine the outcome."People have obviously indicated who they support and why they support those individuals - it's a free world, they can do that."Ultimately, I'm looking forward to the debate going to SNP members because it's one person, one vote."Ian Blackford is one vote."The Record reported last week that some SNP MSPs have considered refusing to vote for Forbes to become First Minister if she ultimately won the SNP leadership race.Asked if that concerned her, the minister said: "This is an open democratic contest for SNP members.

As an elected representative, I have one vote. My friends in the SNP - who may not be in elected office - also have one vote."And I think we should respect and honour the outcome - because it will be SNP members who will make their views heard."Asked if she could be a unifying force in the party, Forbes said: "I do - and