The Latest Breaking News from Kate Forbes

The statement comes as tensions in the SNP race rose.

Regan, a backbench MSP, is considered a long shot to win the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon.

SNP LEADERSHIP contender Ash Regan has appealed for “calm” and an end to “mudslinging” in the contest.

Siobhian Brown has refused to pull her support for the Finance Secretary, whose comments have plunged her campaign into turmoil.

Deputy first minister John Swinney intervenes as activists call for Forbes to withdraw from leadership campaign

Forbes is currently Scottish finance secretary the favourite to replace Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader

Views of those seeking to replace Nicola Sturgeon have come under the spotlight

Yousaf, 37, became the first Muslim to be appointed to the Scottish government in 2012

If a week is a long time in politics, it feels like a lifetime since Nicola Sturgeon resigned. The SNP looked unassailable largely thanks to Sturgeon’s powerful political prowess — but seven days later, the once disciplined SNP is all over the place, largely due to the frontrunner and Finance…

Since launching her leadership bid, the MSP has said in her opinion having children out of wedlock was “wrong” and revealed she would not have supported same-sex marriage in 2014.

The Deputy First Minister said SNP members will soon "make their judgment" on the views expressed by Forbes during the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon.