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SNP leadership candidate Kate Forbes has said it is "very, very unlikely" she would run for the job again if she is not elected this time. Ms Forbes told the Herald that she thought it was "probably the only chance" for her to get the part, though she vowed to continue supporting the party no matter the outcome. Scotland's Finance Secretary is up against Health Secretary Humza Yousaf and former Community Safety Minister Ash Regan in the race to become Scotland's next First Minister, with the result to be announced on March 27.
Forbes said there has been "turbulence" within the party in recent days and a change is needed.
His comments come days after the resignation of SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who resigned with immediate effect on Saturday after a dispute over party membership.
His departure came shortly after that of SNP media chief Murray Foote, who said there had been a "serious impediment" to his role.
Ms Forbes told the Herald: 'I think it would be unlikely that he would return in the future. I will continue to support the party and I will support the leader, but I feel like I have made my campaign clear.
“People know who they are voting for. It is up to the MPs to decide which of us is prime minister, but I think it is unlikely that I will run again. You can never say never, but I think it's very, very unlikely.
Ms Forbes, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, added: “I think this is probably the only opportunity for me.
“We need a change in this election, and if we don't get it, I think it will be very difficult for the party to move forward.
"I will continue to support the party, but I think it is unlikely that I will run again."
Ms Forbes, who is a member of the Free Church of Scotland, also said she would work on Sundays because "being Prime Minister is 24/7".
MSP, who is currently on maternity leave from her ministerial post, said she would be happy regardless of the outcome of the competition as she would be a mother again or prime minister.
She said that she would respect the outcome of the competition, whatever it was.
PA wire
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