The contenders to be the next SNP leader attacked one another in a live televised debate.

And two of the candidates sought to distance themselves from Nicola Sturgeon’s government in the first TV debate of the campaign.

Ash Regan and Kate Forbes, both appointed to ministerial posts by Sturgeon, positioned themselves as change candidates while Humza Yousaf said continuing with the “progressive” policies of the SNP would lead to independence.

While Yousaf described Sturgeon as “the most formidable politician in these islands” his opponents were not so complimentary of her leadership.

In the STV debate, Ash Regan, former community safety minister, said: “The SNP has lost its way. “There has been no progress on independence” as she criticised the policy of seeking UK consent for a referendum.

Regan added: “The ballot box is the gold standard of democracy.

“The only legal option is to use the ballot box available. Use every election will a democratic mandate for independence.”

Humza Yousaf said he would “build on the radical agenda of the Scottish Government”.

In reference to the previous statements by Forbes and Regan on issues like gay marriage and gender recognition reform Yousaf said: “I’m the only candidate who unequivocally will stand up to protect the rights of all of you.”

Yousaf said he would “maintain and grow support (for independence) by continuing with the progressive agenda”.

He added: “We can’t pretend there is some kind of shortcut. Nicola Sturgeon is the most formidable politician in these islands, if there was one, she would have found it.

He said: “We are at a tipping point “We need a consistent majority.”

After Sturgeon and long-time Deputy First Minister John Swinney both announced they would stand down, Kate Forbes said she would be a “new generation”.

She said: “Continuity won’t cut it. More of the same is not a manifesto its an acceptance of mediocrity. It’s time for a new generation of leadership.”

Forbes, looked to present herself as the competent candidate promoting her record as finance secretary adding: “making the economic case (for independence)matters more than most”.

She also said there “needs to be a reset focussing on competence and delivery”.

The trio also attacked each other with Forbes and Yousaf having the biggest spat.

Forbes questioned Yousaf’s record as transport minister, justice secretary and now health secretary.

While Yousaf retorted that Forbes lost MSPs from her campaign team and alienated yes voters.

Yousf told Regan “the UK government is going to turn round to you with your plan (for independence) and tell you where to go”.

Yousaf said Kate Forbes would be “lurching to the right”.

He said Forbes would “cave in” to the UK Government on Gender Recognition reform Act and said her judgment was clouded by her “opposition to gender recognition reform”.

Forbes said: “I’ve made a solemn and honest pledge to uphold the rights of everyone in Scotland whether they are male female trans or gay.”