Kate Forbes is on the verge of joining the race to become the next SNP leader after a senior MSP claimed she is "head and shoulders above" the other potential candidates.
Ivan McKee, the Scottish Government business minister, described Forbes as "a hugely talented individual" with a set of "remarkable political skills".
He said: "I've considered all the names that have been suggested. And to be honest with you, I think that the candidate that will stand head and shoulders above anyone else, if she chooses to stand, would be Kate Forbes."
