UK TREND : Kate Forbes is caught between her supporters and opponents

فريق التحرير 15 March 2023

The possibility of Kate Forbes winning the SNP leadership election and taking office as first minister later this month has Twitter aflutter. Although, there isn’t really enough evidence to say who is in the lead right now.

Following the Scottish National Party leadership candidates’ appearance on the BBC’s debate night show, where they responded to questions from the audience in Edinburgh, the hashtag #Kate Forbes has been trending on Twitter.

The opinions of Twitter users are mixed, with many stating that Kate Forbes is “the only suitable leader among the candidates” and expressing their support for her. There are also some users who have criticised Forbes and her opinions. According to those individuals voting for Forbes “would be a huge, massive step backwards in so many ways”.

In every TV debate Kate Forbes is by far the most likeable and persuasive. If other unionists think so too – and I think they do – it should be a no brainer.

— Jonathan Brocklebank (@BrokerJonathan) March 14, 2023

A vote for Kate Forbes is a vote to take a huge, massive step backwards in so many ways. https://t.co/3t0cPXtAiH

— james archie (@jamesarchie98) March 13, 2023

Supporters of Forbes took to twitter following the debate and expressed that “ she clearly won the debate, as she was the only one with new ideas and understands the need to grow the economy”.

Alex Neil, a former member of Scottish parliament tweeted that he votes for Kate Forbes as “ she is the only candidate who can win over undecided voters to our independence cause. That’s why we’re in the SNP. To win independence”.

Just voted in the SNP leadership election. My first choice is Kate Forbes. She is the only candidate who can win over undecided voters to our independence cause. That’s why we’re in the SNP. To win independence

— Alex Neil (@AlexNeilSNP) March 13, 2023

Supporters of Forbes made it clear that she is the only hope for the SNP, as she is “ head and shoulders above the other two. Its inexplicable if she doesn’t win this”.

Kate Forbes is head and shoulders above the other candidates. It's inexplicable if she doesn't win this.

— FollowFollowGru🇬🇧 (@FollowFollowGru) March 14, 2023

Twitter users were also very critical of other candidates for their “ lack of competence and intelligence which will harm Scotland’s future” and although “ Forbes religious views may be archaic; individuals must take a pragmatic view and hope that Kate Forbes wins”.

Regan and Yousaf’s lack of competence and intelligence will harm Scotlands future a lot more than Forbes’ religious views, archaic as they are. For that reason take a pragmatic view and hope Kate Forbes wins.

— JOANNA GIBBINGS (@landinsight) March 14, 2023

However, many individuals took to twitter to express how much they dislike Kate Forbes and will not support her in any way, even if other candidates are not preferred. One user tweeted that they would “ genuinely consider moving out of Scotland if Kate Forbes is elected leader of the SNP”.

I'd genuinely consider moving out of Scotland if Kate Forbes is elected leader of the SNP. #bbcdn #SNPLeadershipElection

— Dan Doyle (He/Him) (@DanDoyle_) March 14, 2023

Others also felt that although she is defiantly “ strong” she comes across as “ condescending and patronising”.

https://twitter.com/NoelWest135/status/1635744890809200643?s=20

#bbcdn Kate Forbes strong but condescending, patronising

— John Steed (@JohnSte10089118) March 14, 2023

Another user tweeted that “ Kate Forbes is an embarrassment to women and Scotland. Who would actually vote for her?

Kate Forbes is an embarrassment to women and Scotland. Who on earth would vote for this Stepford wife??

— Maggie 🏳️‍🌈🇪🇺🌱 (@maggieinlondon) March 14, 2023