A week to go then and who could have predicted the degree of rancour and division that has been the hallmark of the contest to succeed Nicola Sturgeon?

The resignation of the FM has plunged her party into a full-blown political crisis and one which could have profound electoral ramifications.

Methinks the show of support from senior figures for Humza Yousaf tends to the conclusion many are seriously worried by Kate Forbes’ candidacy.

Many activists will no doubt instinctively rebel against the view that Yousaf is best placed to take the party and the government forward.

The drip of endorsements from senior figures might paradoxically have the opposite effect, as it suggests he is not only the continuity candidate but the establishment one as well.

After a rocky start which threatened to bury her hopes, Forbes has been the most composed and empathetic of the three hopefuls, but she is also the candidate that will probably exacerbate the splits that have emerged.

Some of her opponents will no doubt refuse to serve if she wins, viewing her socially conservative views as inconsistent with leading a nation that should espouse a socially liberal Scotland.

Indeed, some might resign their positions creating a degree of crisis from day one. And if she attempts to allow gender recognition legislation to wither on the section 35 vine, a backlash is almost guaranteed.

Forbes’ campaign might be high on articulacy, but it has been astonishing for the attacks she has made on the government in which she serves.

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