Nobody is buying this new pals’ act

THE SNP leadership contest has been a “mess” full of bitter accusations, calls for the vote to be scrapped and the loss of the party spin doctor and chief executive.

but last night the latest leadership debate – held on radio station LbC on the first day of spring – saw an outbreak of peace and love among the three bidding to lead the country.

Hosted by the highly convivial Iain Dale, it was so pally that the presenter asked if the three candidates had agreed a non-aggression pact.

but despite the cheery bonhomie, the rancour and division was still there simmering barely concealed under the surface.

Forbes, whose social conservatism nearly derailed her campaign in the first few days, was quizzed by Dale on whether he, a gay man, is a sinner.

yousaf, who started off the contest as the favourite, was put on the backfoot by Dale and Regan over damaging claims he is the “continuity” candidate.

Regan, the outsider who has raised questions on the integrity of the election, also repeated her call for SNP members to be able to change their vote.

yousaf and Regan also traded blows in a tetchy squabble over stalled gender recognition reforms.

Only two scenarios can play out for the SNP after the result of the contest is announced next week.

If yousaf wins, Regan’s supporters will suggest he is the illegitimate winner of a tainted contest.

He could be a lame duck leader from his first day in charge.

If Forbes triumphs, she will find herself at the helm of a parliamentary group that does not want her to be their leader.

Gay SNP MSPs, still reeling from her opposition to same sex marriage, may refuse to serve in her Government.

It is heads Scottish Labour wins and tails the SNP loses.

Sturgeon has claimed with a straight face the SNP is not in a “mess” and is merely suffering from “growing pains”.

Given the circus of the last three weeks, her words look like an early April Fool’s joke.