Humza Yousaf has warned SNP leadership rival Kate Forbes not to “trash” the record of the Government she serves in.
Forbes appeared to aim a dig at the Government by saying Scotland needs “competent leaders” who are able to “execute and deliver” on plans.
The Finance Secretary described the Government’s deposit return scheme, which is facing criticism within industry and internally within the SNP, as “an example of a good idea badly executed”.
She is going head-to-head for the leadership with Health Secretary Yousaf and back bencher Ash Regan to replace Nicola Sturgeon.
At a media briefing in Edinburgh, Yousaf said: "I'd be very careful of those that are in government saying we've had a problem of delivery. We all act on collective responsibility. We all act on the collective interest I think I can point to... where we have delivered and delivered well.
“I would just be wary of anybody who's in government looking to trash the record of the Government because I think it's a very, very good record.”
Forbes and Regan have also been accused of trying to shift the party to the Right with more of a focus on business and the oil and gas industry.
Asked if a win by either of his rivals would represent a shift, he said:
“I believe in a wellbeing economy, I believe, of course, in economic growth, not for its own sake [but] in order to make sure that people's living standards increase.
“I would say to any of my colleagues in the leadership race, the SNP has managed to gain support to dizzying heights because of the progressive agenda that we have. I think it would be foolish to abandon that.”
He was also asked if the comments made by the other candidates meant there is a danger of the party moving away from its progressive traditions:
"I think that's a concern that many people will raise, if they look at what's currently being said. I would first of all commit myself to the progressive agenda that has seen the SNP gain huge amounts of support, unprecedented historic levels of support.
“And that has come on the back of the fact that we are a progressive party, and any shift away from that I think will diminish our support and diminish the support for the independence cause.”
The Forbes campaign has been contacted.
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