Kate Forbes has decided not to run, paving the way for John Swinney, 60, to potentially become Scotland’s first minister next week.
This move marks a significant milestone in Swinney’s career, as he is poised to make a remarkable comeback as SNP leader, two decades after stepping down from the position.
He gained Ms. Forbes’ support by offering her a government position publicly. Even though nominations remain open until Monday, this move potentially clears the path for Mr. Swinney to assume the top position uncontested.
The development comes after a week of drama in Holyrood, initiated by current first minister Humza Yousaf’s decision to terminate his powersharing agreement with the Scottish Greens.
Humza Yousaf’s sudden decision marked the abrupt end of his 13-month tenure as first minister.
Facing opposition parties, including the Greens, threatening to vote down his government in Holyrood, Yousaf resigned, committing to stay on only until his successor was chosen.
Kate Forbes, who contested against Yousaf for the SNP leadership last year, opted to align with John Swinney this time, believing it’s the most effective way to push for necessary reforms within the Scottish Government. She pledged her support for Swinney in any leadership contest.
Despite speculation suggesting he might serve as an ‘interim’ leader, Swinney, with 16 years of experience in various government roles, including finance and education secretary, downplayed such notions.
He said:
“I am no caretaker. I am no interim leader.
“I am offering to lead my party through the Westminster elections and to lead us beyond the 2026 elections – two contests which I intend to win for the SNP and for Scotland.
“My message is crisp and simple – I am stepping forward to bring the SNP together, deliver economic growth and social justice, to deliver the very best future for everyone in a modern, dynamic, diverse Scotland.”
John Swinney emphasized his goal to unite both the SNP and Scotland towards independence, cautioning that the party’s unity was not as robust as necessary.
Previously leading the SNP from 2000 to 2004, Swinney stepped down following disappointing European election results.
He conveyed to voters that his 16-year tenure as a senior minister equipped him with the requisite experience for the position.While the Greens severed ties with Yousaf, they are believed to find common ground with Swinney, given their shared pro-independence stance.
However, Forbes’ socially conservative views could have posed challenges for the progressive Greens.
Swinney lauded Forbes, whom he privately met earlier, as an intelligent and creative individual, pledging her a significant role in his team if elected.
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross criticized Forbes for succumbing to SNP demands, framing it as a backroom deal to install Swinney as leader and avoid another leadership contest. He labeled Swinney a failed former leader.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said Scots were:
“Crying out for change – but all the SNP is offering them is yesterday’s man in John Swinney”.
“John Swinney was the finance minister who broke the public finances, the worst education secretary in the history of the Scottish Parliament, the deputy first minister who deleted evidence meant for the Covid inquiry and the man who has been at the heart of this incompetent SNP Government for the past 17 years.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said Mr Swinney had “more baggage than an airport carousel”
“For more than two decades, John Swinney has been complicit in every moment of the SNP’s division, neglect and failure,” he said.
