Shift to right will ‘destroy’ SNP, warns deputy Westminster leader
The IndependentGet the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Writing in The National newspaper, the SNP’s deputy Westminster leader Mhairi Black warned any “turn to the right” socially or fiscally could “alienate” swathes of voters and members as the party sets to deciding who will be its next leader and First Minister following the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon. Around 18% of SNP voters at last year’s Holyrood election in 2021 chose Ms Forbes to succeed Ms Sturgeon as party leader and First Minister. Any attempt to move the party to the right would destroy the main motivation for many activists out chapping doors and convincing others that Scotland can take a different path to that which the rest of the UK is following Mhairi Black Former SNP leader at Westminster and current Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Angus Robertson, is the next most popular. Just 7% of SNP voters backed Health Secretary Humza Yousaf, who has come under fire for “seriously considering” a leadership bid despite opponents calling for his resignation over his handling of the NHS.