Musselburgh MSP Colin Beattie backing Kate Forbes for First Minister

Ms Forbes entered the raise to replace the SNP leader last month after Ms Sturgeon announced her decision to step down from the role.

Mr Beattie has now given his backing to the Finance Secretary, saying he backs her to tackle issues such as unemployment and the cost-of-living crisis.

In a statement, Mr Beattie said: “After careful thought, I have decided to support Kate Forbes in her bid for the leadership of the SNP.

“It seems clear that the cost-of-living crisis, which has been manufactured by the gross incompetence of the Westminster Government, is severely impacting the lives of many people living in Scotland.

“This crisis is likely to continue and the consequences may be extreme for many.

“For Scotland, there is an urgent need for sound, effective economic and fiscal policies which will support and defend our economy and businesses across our nation.

“We must protect jobs but, without strong and resilient businesses, we cannot do so. Businesses and the employment they provide are a vital part of our tax-based income.

“Unemployment and contraction of our economy would reduce the tax revenue which we are dependent upon to pay for those services that are provided to vulnerable families and individuals across Scotland.

“I am confident that Kate understands this and that she will focus on the economy and the imperative of how to make Scotland thrive, in spite of the Westminster-induced crisis, but in the short term how to survive it with least damage.”

Controversial views

The Finance Secretary, a member of the Free Church of Scotland, has caused divide among voters over her stances on gay marriage, abortion and trans rights, including once speaking at an anti-abortion event organised by Brian Souter.

Since launching her campaign, she has come in for heavy criticism after saying she would have voted against same-sex marriage had she been an MSP at the time, as well as stating that sex before marriage was "wrong".

Following her comments, a number of MSPs who had initially supported her for First Minister withdrew their endorsements.

However, Mr Beattie said he felt her religious beliefs should not harm her chances of getting the job.

He said: “I cannot accept that an individual’s personal religious beliefs should exclude them from public office, providing that they do not infringe policymaking and executive decision-making for the greater good.

“All citizens have a right to their beliefs and it is the responsibility of all elected members and democrats like myself to defend that right for everyone.

“This begs an obvious question: I personally support same sex marriage and cannot see any reasonable arguments that would have any bearing on what is now a well-established legislative right.

“I will also expect Kate to protect the social progress that we have made in Scotland, both now and in the future, for the human rights of minority groups and equality in general.

“Since being elected to public office, Kate’s track record has been formidable. In my opinion, she is the person best placed with experience and skills to make a real difference to the economy and businesses across the nation.

“With her proven ability to be responsive to the demands of unexpected situations, she will be ready and able to take up the role of leadership and rise to the challenges Scotland is currently facing.”

Last month, East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan offered his support to Cabinet Secretary for Health Humza Yousaf in his bid to replace Ms Sturgeon.

READ MORE: East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan backs Humza Yousaf for First Minister

Mr McLennan said at the time: “I joined the SNP as I wanted a fairer, more equal Scotland. Westminster will never deliver that.

“I believe Humza has the values, experience and humility to be our leader and First Minister, to deliver a more just Scotland and move us to independence.”

Ms Forbes and Mr Yousaf are vying with Ash Regan to be the next leader of the SNP and First Minister.