Former leadership contender Kate Forbes humorously draws attention to the potential timing of two significant events.
Edinburgh, August 22, 2023 – Former Scottish National Party (SNP) leadership contender, Kate Forbes, injected a light-hearted remark into the political discourse during an interview at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Forbes playfully suggested that witnessing the Second Coming of Jesus Christ might be more achievable than a second Scottish independence referendum.
A Tumultuous Year for Kate Forbes Kate Forbes, who underwent a series of transitions in her political career, shared her witty observation in a conversation with political comedian Matt Forde. Having progressed from the position of economy minister to leadership contender, and eventually transitioning to a backbencher role, Forbes has experienced a rollercoaster of developments in the past year.
A Narrow Leadership Contest While Forbes couldn’t clinch the SNP leadership, she came remarkably close, securing an impressive 47.9% of the vote in the final round. Humza Yousaf emerged as the victorious leadership contender, but Forbes’s substantial support underscored her influence within the party.
A Playful Exchange at the Fringe During her appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe, Kate Forbes engaged with an audience member’s question: “What is more likely in the next 10 years – the Second Coming or the second independence referendum?” In response, Forbes cleverly stated, “Well, that is both political and problematic.” This lighthearted remark highlighted the intricate dynamics surrounding both themes.
Broader Fringe Controversies The Edinburgh Fringe Festival has been at the center of various controversies this year. Graham Linehan, a prominent sitcom writer, faced cancellation due to perceived “anti-trans views.” The venue that initially agreed to host Linehan’s stand-up gig later reversed its decision, citing concerns about violating their space.
Kate Forbes on Controversies Forbes expressed her perspective on such controversies, expressing empathy for Linehan’s challenging experience. She noted that individuals often become targets and face relentless criticism until they are dismantled. She also highlighted the increasingly challenging environment for comedians who rely on pushing boundaries and sometimes causing offense.
A Critique of the Independence Movement During the interview, Forbes took a subtle dig at Humza Yousaf and the broader independence movement. She acknowledged a deep-rooted issue within the movement, emphasizing the desire to identify “natural leaders” who can unite the campaign. Forbes’s comments come in the wake of Yousaf’s recent heckling during a Fringe event, where he faced criticism from environmental campaigners and individuals addressing concerns about diversity in Scotland’s civic leadership.
As Forbes’s remark continues to circulate, it serves as a reminder of the nuanced intersection of politics, humor, and the complexities of public discourse.
