LOVE NOT KATE

>> Forbes urged to quit race after saying children born outside marriage is 'wrong' >> SNP colleagues racing to distance themselves from disastrous campaign

- PAUL HUTCHEON

KATE Forbes has been urged to quit the SNP leadership contest after saying having children outside of marriage is "wrong".

Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already distanced herself from the Finance Secretary, who is also against gay marriage.

Sturgeon said: "I take a very different view on these issues. And senior party figure Mhairi Hunter warned: "This is damaging the party.

SNP leadership hopeful Forbes urged to quit after she tells voters having children out of wedlock is wrong

TIME TO WITHDRAW

BY PAUL HUTCHEON Political Editor

SENIOR SNP figure Mhairi Hunter has accused Kate Forbes of "damaging the party" over her views on same-sex marriage and children born out of wedlock.

Hunter, an ally of outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who is backing Humza Yousaf in the SNP leadership race, tweeted: "Will someone please intervene?

"This is damaging the party and it is not fair to anyone."

But a source close to Forbes last night insisted she will stay in the race.

Her supporters began deserting her yesterday after she said she would not have supported same-sex marriage in 2014.

And her campaign hit crisis point when she spoke out against having kids outside of marriage, saying it was "wrong, according to my faith".

Last night Sturgeon distanced herself from Forbes' views. And senior figures urged her to quit the race saying her comments could hurt the independence cause.

Forbes is up against Health Secretary Humza Yousaf and MSP Ash Regan in the race to lead the SNP and become FM.