John Swinney’s appointment as SNP leader heralds a fresh start for the party, as he pledges to unite members and steer a course toward renewal and stability in Scottish politics. Here’s the full story.
Calm and Collected
The last few years in Scottish politics have been anything but calm and collected. There have been police investigations, sudden resignations of First Ministers not once but twice, and now a new leader being effectively crowned after running unopposed.
SNP Leader
John Swinney, a long-serving politician who dedicated his entire adult life to the cause of Scottish independence, ascended to the leadership of the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Pivotal Moment
As he takes the reins of the party and prepares to govern Scotland with the SNP as a minority government, Swinney has taken power at what could be a pivotal moment for the party’s history.
“A New Chapter”
At a recent address to party activists, members, and politicians held in the beautiful gothic-revival-style halls of Glasgow University, Swinney announced that his leadership would mark “a new chapter in our party’s history.”
Internal Discord
However, amid the recent political turmoil and signs of lingering internal discord, Swinney steps into a role that few would envy. Even he admitted that the SNP’s dirty laundry being aired so publicly had left many in Scotland “worried about where we are as a party.”
“A Profound Sense of Duty”
Swinney told the party faithful who gathered to hear him speak that he had accepted the leadership of the SNP not because he harboured long-held ambitions to power but rather out of “a profound sense of duty to my party and my country.”
Shock Resignation
Swinney was catapulted to the heights of leadership following the shock resignation of Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s First Minister and former leader of the SNP.
Internal Strife
Yousaf stepped down before he could be pushed, following mounting internal strife within the party, which led him to tear up the Bute House agreement, a coalition agreement in all but name that allowed the SNP to share power with the Scottish Greens.
Green Rebellion
Following the agreement’s cancellation, the Scottish Greens rebelled and threatened to support a no-confidence motion in Yousaf’s leadership. This could have brought down the entire SNP government and led to an early Scottish election.
Tense But Uneventful
However, following days of frenzied speculation over who might step up to the plate to lead the SNP, with Kate Forbes, the former Finance Minister, announcing her intention not to run after receiving an offer of a cabinet position from Sweeney, his path to leadership was a tense one, if ultimately uneventful.
Extensive Experience
Swinney’s extensive experience in both party and government roles, including a previous tenure as SNP leader from 2000-2004, means he brings a lot of political expertise to his new position and is well-liked by party activists and members.
Closely Scrutinised
However, as the incoming First Minister of Scotland, Swinney’s leadership will be closely scrutinised as he attempts to navigate the complexities of governing as a minority government.
Raison D’êTre
The SNP’s raison d’être is to achieve Scottish independence, but the party’s recent public upheavals have weakened support for both the party and the broader independence movement.
More Options
Many who would previously have voted SNP to achieve independence now have more parties to choose from, from the left-wing Scottish Greens to the more centre-right Alba.
“Tough, Rough Time”
Swinney acknowledged this in his speech, stating, “The SNP’s been having a tough, rough time. It has lacked cohesion and that has come across to members of the public and they are worried about where we are as a party.”
“Some Disaffection”
He continued, “If there’s some disaffection between people who support independence and previously voted for the SNP I will be working very, very hard to win those people back.”
Rally Support
Swinney’s ability to rally support within the party and demonstrate effective leadership will be crucial in determining the SNP’s trajectory in the months and years ahead.
Daily Concerns
Swinney also announced his intention to focus on more of Scottish voters’ daily concerns, especially the cause closest to his heart: the eradication of child poverty.
“Incompetent Government”
However, some of those Swinney would need help to pass bills as a minority government were not convinced. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwa stated, “John Swinney has been at the heart of this incompetent government for 17 years.”
“One of Failure”
He added, “From presiding over the exam results scandal as education secretary to destroying public finances as finance secretary, John Swinney’s record is one of failure.”
Shaky Position
As Swinney prepares to take over the SNP leadership, the party’s previously unassailable position in Scottish politics seems shakier by the day.
Uncertain Future
Many hope Swinney’s leadership will allow the SNP to turn the corner on this turbulent period of its history and lead the party into what many hope will be a future with Scotland as an independent nation. Whether he is up to the challenge remains to be seen.
The post John Swinney Pledges to Unite SNP and Steer Scottish Politics Towards Stability first appeared on 365 News.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Altopix.