SNP at war after Forbes hints she’ll challenge Swinney
THE SNP civil war escalated as Kate Forbes hinted she may run for the leadership.
Both she and veteran John Swinney have yet to declare but are early frontrunners after Humza Yousaf’s resignation on Monday.
Ms Forbes, a close second to the outgoing First Minister a year ago, said it was “still early days” but added: “I think for me it’s clear I have a groundswell of support amongst the party.”
But Mr Swinney – Nicola Sturgeon’s deputy for almost nine years – has the support of senior party members, including Westminster leader Stephen Flynn.
Mr Swinney said: “I’m giving it all a great deal of thought to make sure that I come to the right decision.”
The longtime MSP declined to stand in the leadership race last year, urging on a new generation.
Asked what had changed, he said: “My party finds itself in a very different and more difficult situation than 12 months ago.”
Meanwhile, a motion of no confidence in the Scottish Government is due to be debated today. It was tabled by Scottish Labour after the First Minister’s decision to scrap the power-sharing deal with the Greens, which destabilised his Government. Mr Yousaf is set to speak in defence of his record.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said his party was pressing ahead because he does not believe the SNP can provide “stable, competent government”.
But Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross retracted his motion, saying: “Job done.”
The First Minister got a standing ovation at his first Cabinet meeting since quitting. He told ministers: “It has been the greatest honour of my life and I’m grateful for having had the opportunity.”