Kate Forbes said the close result was proof that she was right to say “continuity won’t cut it” during the SNP leadership contest.

Ms Forbes lost out to Humza Yousaf by 52% to 48% after Ash Regan was eliminated from the voting in round one getting 11% of the vote.

Ms Forbes said, after the result: "It demonstrates, I think, the message of continuity not cutting it is actually a really critical message and all of us need to build on the SNP's excellent track record over 16 years of listening, of serving and of maintaining the trust of the Scottish people, building on that track record.

"If we are to continue to win elections, we need to continue to listen and maintain trust."

 Yousaf will now face a vote of MSPs where he is all but certain to become First Minister

She said she would now back the new leader and will work with him.

Ms Forbes added: “I certainly will be supporting him, backing him, because as he said, the SNP is a family, we're a team, there's a lot of work to be getting on with to deliver for the people of Scotland, not least with the cost-of-living crisis, reforming public services and making the case for independence."

The unity calls come after the candidates attacked one another, with Ms Forbes critical of Mr Yousaf’s record in government posts and Mr Yousaf calling out Ms Forbes for her statements on equal marriage and gender recognition reform.

Meanwhile, Ms Regan also said she would be giving her support to Yousaf as the new party leader.