Greens indicate deal will end if new SNP leader rejects ‘progressive values’

Co-leader of the Scottish Green party, Lorna Slater, delivers her keynote speech at conference. Photograph: Jane Barlow/PA

The Scottish Greens have issued a stark warning to the next leader of the Scottish National party that “a sincere commitment to progressive values cannot be an optional extra”.

With the SNP announcing on Monday who will replace Nicola Sturgeon as party leader and first minister after her shock resignation last month, the Scottish Green leadership gave its most definitive indication yet that the partnership deal between the two parties would be over if Kate Forbes is elected.