SNP

The motion was rejected by committee members by four votes to three after SNP MSPs sided with Chapman.

Kerr refused to say whether his party would back the SNP or Labour, telling BBC Scotland News it was like "being asked to get punched in the face or punched in the gut."

Russell Findlay claimed the event was "not required" and accused John Swinney of using the meeting to "deflect from the SNP's dismal record".

It was particularly thorny for the SNP whose former leader Nicola Sturgeon championed the expansion of trans rights, cheered on by some in her party and opposed loudly by others.

The SNP and Labour are expected to be the main contenders to win the seat, with both parties hoping to build momentum ahead of next year's Scottish Parliament election.