Fergus Ewing on Kate Forbes bombshell announcement: SNP has ‘lost the best leader it never had but should have chosen’
THE SNP has “lost the best leader it never had but should have chosen” with the decision by MSP Kate Forbes not to seek re-election to the Scottish Parliament next year.
That’s the view of neighbouring rebel MSP Fergus Ewing who says the Scottish Parliament will as a result lose “the brightest talent of her generation”.
Ms Forbes, the Dingwall-based MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, sent shockwaves across the political landscape earlier with her announcement that she will not be seeking re-election in 2026.
SEE ALSO
Highland MSP Kate Forbes set to step down at next election
Fergus Ewing to stand as an independent at next elections
Forbes touted as favourite to succeed Nicola Sturgeon
Describing himself as her parliamentary neighbour, colleague and friend, Fergus Ewing, independent MSP for Inverness and Nairn, said: “Kate will always have my full support, and I can entirely understand her decision. However, her departure will see our Parliament lose the brightest talent of her generation.
“With Alex Salmond’s passing last year, the SNP lost the best leader it ever had; with Kate’s decision, the SNP has lost the best leader it never had - but should have chosen.
“Sadly, the SNP has changed from being a broad church movement to a narrow cult or sect. Those with views that depart from the approved line are not welcome. Rational argument has become irrelevant.
“Alone in the SNP, Kate Forbes has both the personal skills and qualities of character to lead a different, better and ‘grown-up’ Holyrood, namely one where the main parties work together more closely: where we work together to see off the challenges of the extremes, whether of the Greens or Reform, whilst delivering the competent Government and strong economy that the vast majority of the people want and deserve.
“Her announcement was made with characteristic good grace. This despite having been treated outrageously by the SNP leadership during her leadership campaign with Humza Yousaf. They said that as a devout Christian she was somehow not suited or fit to be First Minister of Scotland.
“Both the current FM and Nicola Sturgeon supported these disgraceful attacks during that leadership campaign. They have never apologised.
“Yet, Kate as a Christian, ‘turned the other cheek’ by responding to these slurs not with retaliation but forgiveness. It will be interesting to read in any memoirs that may be published, whether, even now, any apology will be offered.”
In 2025, Ewing effectively left the SNP when he announced he would stand against them as an independent candidate in the 2026 Scottish parliament election following a number of well-reported differences of opinion with the leadership.