Kate Forbes declares herself the leading candidate for SNP.

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Kate Forbes entered the race as one of three contenders seeking to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as head of the Scottish National Party, which supports independence.

The current finance secretary for Scotland, Forbes, announced on Twitter that she planned to present a video showcasing her abilities as a "unifier" and a "bold, fearless, dynamic, and new leader"

She made her statement after SNP veteran and betting favourite Angus Robertson declared on Monday that he would not hold out. In the election, which was spurred by Sturgeon, Scotland's longtime first minister, announcing her resignation last week, Forbes will compete against renegade legislator Ash Regan and Scottish Health Minister Humza Yousaf.

Forbes, 32, has been regarded as one of the SNP's brightest lights since her quick promotion to Sturgeon's cabinet in 2020. She is currently on maternity leave and belongs to the socially conservative Free Church of Scotland, thus the race for the top job may be dogged by inquiries about so-called "culture wars" concerns.

Yousaf, a significant ally of Sturgeon's, declared his candidature on Sunday and claimed to have the necessary qualifications. Although some polls indicate he is less popular with the public than other candidates, Yousaf has long been regarded as a potential leader.

In announcing her campaign on Sunday, Regan also pledged to repeal Sturgeon's gender legislation if elected. She left Sturgeon's government last year because she disagreed with the legislation.