Kate Forbes says she has 'significant concerns' over gender self-ID

Kate Forbes has said she has “significant concerns” about gender self-identification and would not have voted for the Scottish Government’s gender reforms.

Forbes entered the race earlier today to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as leader of the SNP and first minister.

In an interview with BBC Scotland, Forbes said she had concerns about some provisions in the Gender Recognition Reform Bill.

Its system of self-identification for legal recognition of transgender status is “not sufficient”, she said.

And she told the broadcaster she would be “loath to challenge” Westminster's block to the bill's enactment - something described by Sturgeon, who planned to take the issue to court, as a “full-frontal attack” on Scottish democracy. 

Forbes said: “I understand the principle here, which is that the UK Government should not overturn Scottish legislation.

“That is an important principle which I hold to.

“But I think on this, seek legal advice and recognise it is not a priority right now for the people of Scotland, who are focused on other things.”

Polling produced by Lord Ashcroft and published by Holyrood in the days before Sturgeon announced she is to step down as First Minister and SNP leader revealed that gender recognition reform is a top-three priority for just three per cent of voters.