The British media is full of this toxic shit now ritchie - previously discussed extensively on this Sb board well before Kate Forbes ever arrived on the scene and hardly touched upon when she became the Finance Secretary. Never questioned of any PM in England btw and suddenly we're seeing totally different poisonous media attacks on an individual based on religious beliefs and voting with a conscience. Same goes for Yousaf, no scrutiny re his Muslim religion. I think Kate Forbes is being honest on issues that a lotta dishonest politicians down south will "avoid like the plague" and lie through their teeth or avoid the question totally. I reckon Kate Forbes will not do that although she has already said that she respects the democratic decision re intractable issues like the GRR one and others that cover minority groups. It's her opinion and she's being up front re that opinion and her respect for democracy. Is her straight answers "against the herd" (and public opinion) as being suggested?? I suppose some of her opinions maybe that way and others not. It appears to be a right-of-centre stance IMO. I still want to hear what she has to say re the nitty-gritty stuff - Scottish independence and the way forward with strong leadership and zeal, the cost of living crisis, energy poverty, the Scottish economy etc. Also IMO we were always gonna see a frank and healthy exchange of differing views during this leadership debate apart from on the fringes of the party where there will be strong clashes of opinion. The ultimate decision will be with the SNP membership anyway!! It will be bizarre if the SNP choose a poorer candidate because of a culture war!! 