Aberdeen Labour stalwart Barney Crockett is offering unexpected cross-party support for SNP leadership hopeful Kate Forbes following the backlash over her comments on same-sex marriage.
The veteran councillor said he disagrees with Ms Forbes’ views, but claimed people with religious and faith-based motivations are needed now “more than ever” to go the extra mile in tackling social scandals like poverty.
The intervention comes at the end of a bruising week for Ms Forbes, the Highlands MSP who is running to replace Nicola Sturgeon as first minister.
In interviews, the Free Church of Scotland member said she wouldn’t choose to have children outside of marriage and confirmed she would not have voted for same-sex marriage.
Mr Crockett said his background with the Salvation Army made him think Ms Forbes should not be hounded for her beliefs.
Reaction is ‘over the top’
“The reaction has been over the top,” he told the Press and Journal.
“Her views are not the views shared by everybody, but other churches and religions have similar views.
“She didn’t actually vote against gay marriage but other people in the SNP did. I haven’t checked, but I’m sure people within Labour would have and it wasn’t seen as the end for them.
“She’s the biggest intellect in the SNP – if they cast her out it will be a negative for them.”
The Dyce, Bucksburn and Danestone councillor said any outsider watching the SNP contest would be surprised.
“I want to get back to a right-left debate,” he added.
“But what we’re seeing is a collapse because of a culture war.
“We should be focusing on the big issues like poverty.”
Mr Crockett added: “People of religious motivation go the extra mile. That’s something that’s desperately needed.”
Campaign gets refreshed
The comments follow an attempt by Ms Forbes’ campaign team to press the reset button on her turbulent campaign.
She released a statement on Wednesday claiming the election is about independence, the type of society Scots want and where “poverty becomes history”.
The Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP added: “I feel greatly burdened and heartsore that some of my responses to direct questions in the media have caused hurt to friends, colleagues and fellow citizens. That was never my intention, but I’ve listened carefully.
“I will protect the rights of everybody in Scotland, particularly minorities, to live and to love without fear or harassment in a pluralistic and tolerant society. I will uphold the laws that have been hard won, as a servant of democracy.”
Poll puts Kate Forbes ahead
A poll, published over Thursday night, suggests her comments were not fatal among SNP voters.
The survey by the Big Partnership, based on one thousand adults who voted SNP in 2021, suggests 28% back Ms Forbes – eight points clear of rival Humza Yousaf on 20%.
Third contender, Ash Regan, is behind on 7% but has yet to start her formal campaign.
They all have work to do to convince the 31% of voters yet to make up their minds.
Among those surveyed, 61% want a referendum within two years while 75% would be happy to see a referendum in five years.
Most said the new leader must have a plan to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, grow the economy and improve health, education and other public services.
Ms Forbes was finance secretary but has been off on maternity leave.
Mr Yousaf is health secretary. Ms Regan quit government in the row over trans gender recognition reforms.
Conversation