Former SNP deputy first minister Joanna Cherry reveals she was a frontrunner for party leadership until her publicly stated support for same-sex marriage cost her the role. Cherry says SNP insiders advised her to conceal her views on the issue to improve her candidacy.
Cherry, a prominent Scottish National Party figure and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, describes herself as having been a "slam dunk" for the leadership position before the marriage equality controversy emerged. The situation underscores tensions within the SNP over social policy positioning and internal messaging strategy.
Her account raises questions about how the party manages progressive policy stances publicly versus privately. Cherry's disclosure suggests that despite the SNP's public alignment with progressive causes, some within party leadership held different views on same-sex marriage or feared the issue could damage electoral prospects.
The revelation comes amid broader scrutiny of SNP leadership dynamics and candidate vetting processes. Cherry's experience illustrates the gap between public positioning and internal party culture, particularly on social issues.
This episode reflects deeper fractures within Scottish politics over LGBTQ+ representation and rights advocacy. Cherry remains active in Scottish politics and continues to champion equality issues, making her account a pointed commentary on party priorities.
The disclosure adds another layer to ongoing conversations about authenticity in political leadership and whether candidates should compromise their values for advancement. Cherry's willingness to speak publicly about the pressure she faced marks a rare look behind SNP closed-door decision-making.