SNP leadership race: What stance has the SNP Westminster group taken on Kate Forbes and her same-sex marriage stance?

There is a growing belief among many in the SNP that Kate Forbes should drop out of the leadership race.

The issue started on the same day the finance secretary confirmed her intention to run, after Ms Forbes told The Scotsman she did not support gay marriage, and would have voted against it.

She tried to argue this was about her faith, and there was no intention to take away people’s rights, but the damage was already done.

The withdrawal of support from MPs was immediate. Public finance minister Tom Arthur, minister for children Clare Haughey, and health committee convener Gillian Martin also U-turned on their endorsements.

Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes is being urged to stand down.

Stephen Flynn, the leader of the group, responded by tweeting “love is love” – a clear endorsement of gay marriage, and party policy.

The SNP is a broad church, united by independence, but there are divisions on social policies that largely stayed hidden under Nicola Sturgeon.

Ms Forbes interview changed that, with a growing belief among the SNP Westminster group that not only is Humza Yousaf the strongest candidate, but perhaps the finance secretary should drop out.