Kate Forbes not in the running for SNP leadership

Kate Forbes says she was greatly heartened by John Swinney’s drive to restore a sense of courtesy and dignity to the “way we conduct ourselves as a party and as a Parliament”.

She adds: “I have also had the opportunity to speak directly with him to discuss the future of our party and our country.

“Those discussions on the future of the SNP and our vision for Scotland were both frank and constructive.”

“What emerged was that we share a powerful common purpose for the country.”