Stirling’s MSP has given her backing to Health Secretary Humza Yousaf in the SNP leadership contest.
Evelyn Tweed joined Mr Yousaf on a visit to the city, with the pair being shown around Made in Stirling in the city centre and spoke about issues including the regeneration of high streets and the importance of LGBT rights.
The ballot papers for the contest went out earlier this week - with the winner likely to become approved as Scotland’s next First Minister.
The endorsement comes as all three of the candidates for the contest - Mr Yousaf, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and former Community Safety Minister Ash Regan - travel the country taking part in TV debates and hustings events to make their pitch.
During the contest so far, Mr Yousaf’s record in government has already come under sharp scrutiny, with Ms Forbes critical of his record over waiting times in the NHS, as well as over issues with the train service during his time in the transport brief.
On Monday’s visit - where the pair were given a tour by Creative Stirling director Joe Hall - Ms Tweed backed Mr Yousaf’s “progressive policy agenda” and praised his “unwavering commitment to hard-fought rights”.
The pair also offered their support to Ms Tweed’s husband Ahsan Khan who is standing as the SNP candidate in Thursday’s Bridge of Allan council by-election.
Ms Tweed said: “It was a pleasure to share the great work being done by local organisations such as Creative Stirling with Humza today. They really are a vital presence on the high street and do so much to support different communities across the area.
“It was great that party members working hard on the Dunblane and Bridge of Allan by-election had the opportunity to meet with Humza and have a conversation with him ahead of the by-election.
“I know Ahsan also appreciated the support Humza brought for his campaign to be the next councillor for Dunblane and Bridge of Allan.
“Humza’s interest in the Stirling community as well as his stalwart support for a progressive policy agenda and united approach to governance are exactly why I think he should be the next party leader and our next First Minister.
“He’s shown unwavering commitment to defending hard-fought rights and to move forwards towards independence, and I trust him to deliver for Stirling, and for Scotland.”
Mr Yousaf said: “I was delighted to be able to spend some time in Stirling on Monday visiting local businesses with Evelyn Tweed MSP.
“Hearing from Joe Hall at Creative Stirling about all their great work supporting local artists and community groups was a particular highlight.
“Work from a recent exhibition by LGBT Youth Scotland gave us an opportunity to reflect together on the importance of not only defending the rights of everyone in Scotland - but advancing and celebrating those rights when we can.”
The visit came on the back of Ms Forbes’ own trip to Raploch on Friday, where she met with Reverend Barry Hughes from St Mark’s Parish Church and other community groups to discuss tackling child poverty.
The Observer also contacted Stirling MP and fellow SNP politician Alyn Smith regarding his position on the ongoing leadership race, but had not received a response at time of going to press.
