Humza Yousaf has defended "progressive" SNP policies like gender reform and insisted they have brought the party within "touching distance" of achieving independence.
The health secretary kicked-off his campaign to become Scotland's next First Minister with a speech today at Clydebank Town Hall, where he received a standing ovation from his supporters, including two fellow Cabinet ministers.
And he admitted he had "concerns" over Nicola Sturgeon's plan to use the general election as a de facto referendum on Scottish independence.
"I’ve got some concerns. I’m not wedded to the idea of using a general election as a de facto referendum," he said.
"But what I would say is that we have to stop talking about process, and start talking about policy, because if independence becomes the settled will of the Scottish people then those political obstacles will disappear."
Yousaf's big moment was almost overshadowed as Kate Forbes announced her intention to join the SNP leadership race just moments before the event started at 11am.
The MSP has been touted as a continuity candidate who will defend the policy platform pushed by Nicola Sturgeon, including the controversial gender recognition reforms (GRR) blocked by the UK Government.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack issued a rare Section 35 order to prevent the legislation becoming law - despite a majority of MSPs voting in favour of it.
Ash Regan, who launched her leadership campaign on Sunday, has already pledged to scrap the GRR bill if she is elected leader.
Forbes did not vote for the GRR bill as she was on maternity leave at the time the legislation went through parliament.
Questions have been asked whether the finance secretary would have backed it given her membership of the Free Church of Scotland.
Asked if he would serve in a government led by someone who opposes GRR, Yousaf said: "If another person wins it, and their values don't align with mine, and with the social progressive path we have been on as a party, that has got us to this position where we are in touching distance of independence, I'd consider it at the time."
Asked if he would take the UK Government to court over its blocking of GRR, Yousaf said: "I think we have to.
"I think if we lay down the first time the UK Government has brought forward a Section 35 order, then they will do that with every single bill they disagree with.
"This is not just about the GRR bill. People disagree with it, and I respect that, but it's about the principle of the fact this is an all-out attack on Scotland's devolution."
Asked if he would offer jobs in the Cabinet to his leadership rivals if he won the race, Yousaf added: "Who wouldn't want Kate?
"She's an exceptional talent, she's incredibly intelligent. I have worked alongside, she has the drive. I think she's an excellent individual and she would be an excellent government colleague."
Pressed on whether Regan would be offered a job, he added: "Let's see where we get to in this race."
Asked by the Record if he would campaign alongside Alex Salmond and his Alba pary for in the future, he said: "One of my big strengths is reaching across the political divide.
"I've not spoken to Alex Salmond since he started Alba. Look, I'll consider that, perhaps, at the time, but at the moment I'm focused on working with our party membership, working with the Greens, working with others who support independence to drive up the cause."
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