The deputy leader of the SNP in Westminster, Mhairi Black, backed Humza Yousaf in the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon as Scottish Prime Minister.
Mrs Black said Mr Yousaf he was the only candidate who would take “our party and our country forward.”
Yousaf, the current Scottish health secretary, faces competition for the top post of finance secretary Kate Forbes and former Minister of Community Security ash regan.
Paisley and Renfrewshire MP, Mrs. Black, endorsed Yousaf after describing how she was “incredibly hurt” by Forbes Statements on Gay Marriage.
Mrs. Forbes, a member of the Free Church of Scotland, revealed how she would not have voted for legislation on same-sex unions had she been in Holyrood at the time.
Mrs. Black, who married his wife last year, also said Yousaf was the only candidate “willing to take the fight straight to Westminster” over his decision to veto controversial gender recognition reforms passed by Holyrood.
Speaking on Sunday, Ms. Black said: “After listening to the early stages of the leadership campaign, it is already clear to me that Humza is the only candidate who can take our party and our country forward.
“His vision of a progressive and fairer independent Scotland is one I share.”
Yousaf “understands the challenges the party faces, particularly internally, and is not afraid to face those challenges,” added Ms. Black.
Scottish National Party leadership candidate Kate Forbes
He said he was “thrilled” to receive Black’s endorsement.
“Like me, Mhairi has a history of championing equality and social progress.
“I am glad that she shares my vision of building a team in government and across the party to lead us to independence.
“Mhairi understands, as I do, that the SNP must earn our support, rather than simply waiting for it.”
‘Not committed to the actual referendum’
Mr. Yousaf found supporters at the V&A Waterfront in Dundee on Saturday as the leadership race continues.
Expressing your views on how the SNP should move forward after Nicola Sturgeon’s resignationhis future replacement said that the campaign for Scottish independence should not be stuck in a “process quagmire”.
Former Prime Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon
If he wins the leadership, he promised the party would hold a series of regional assemblies to have “honest and frank discussions” with members.
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“I think all options that are within a legal framework should be on the table,” Yousaf said.
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Sturgeon: What’s next for independence?
“I made my views clear: I am not attached to the idea of the referendum in fact.
“I think there are advantages, but certainly disadvantages to this option.”
Yousaf joins Dominic Raab, David Lammy, Mark Francois, Bernie Sanders and Mary Bousted at Sophy Ridge on Sunday from 8.30am on Sky News