John Swinney set to be first minister after Forbes’s support
John Swinney will run for the SNP leadership unchallenged after his only credible opponent Kate Forbes pledged to support his campaign today.
At an event in Edinburgh this morning, Swinney confirmed that he will be standing for leader. The former deputy first minister and SNP party leader from 2000-2004 said: “I want to build on the work of the SNP government to create a modern, diverse, dynamic Scotland that will ensure opportunity for all of her citizens. I want to unite the SNP and unite Scotland for independence.”
Kate Forbes met with Swinney yesterday sparking rumours that they were going to cut a deal, with Swinney offering Forbes a return to the Cabinet. Today, Swinney confirmed such rumours by saying that Forbes would have a “significant” role in his government. There is speculation that Forbes may be Swinney’s deputy first minister.
During last year’s leadership contest following Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation, the incumbent leader had cast doubt on Forbes’s suitability for the top job because of her religious beliefs. However, he seems to have changed his tune. Referring to her as a “friend and a colleague,” Swinney said: “She is an intelligent, creative, thoughtful person who has much to contribute to our national life and if elected, I will make sure Kate is able to make that contribution.”
In a statement, Forbes said: “I welcomed, and embrace, his commitment to ensure internal respect for robust and divergent debate in the party, which is the lifeblood of any democratic institution like the SNP. I was also greatly heartened by his drive to restore a sense of courtesy and dignity to the way we conduct ourselves as a party and as a Parliament.
“If we want to rewin the trust of the people, tone and language matter in the way we conduct ourselves…I have concluded that the best way to deliver the urgent change Scotland needs is to join with John Swinney and advocate for that reform agenda within the Scottish government. I can therefore today announce that I will not be seeking nomination as the next SNP leader.”
Swinney was eager to quash any suggestions that he would be merely an interim leader or caretaker. He said: “I am offering to lead my party through the Westminster elections, to lead us beyond the 2026 elections, to contest, which I intend to win for the SNP and for Scotland.”
Forbes may have made a wise call given the gloomy election polls that predict a Labour resurgence in Scotland. Her plan might be to let the unpopular SNP establishment continue until it all comes crashing down (if the polls are correct) and then start with a clean slate.