KATE Forbes has congratulated her SNP leadership rival Humza Yousaf on his victory.

The Finance Secretary was beaten by the new leader in the second round of voting – polling at around 47%.

She mirrored the plea for unity Yousaf made in his first speech as SNP leader, but added: “Uniformity is not unity”.

Forbes said: “I issue my warmest congratulations to Humza.

“I’ve been proud to share a platform with both him and Ash over the last five weeks, and I know we will continue to work together, to make the lives of all of Scotland’s people better on the next stage of our journey to independence.

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“Whatever the robust disagreements or frank exchanges of the last few weeks, I am confident we will unite behind Humza as our new party leader in the shared and common objective of independence.

“Uniformity is not unity – we can debate and disagree well, and then work together. To end poverty. To speak up for the marginalised. To create better jobs. To serve our people.

“I wish Humza well as he does just that.”