Swinney tipped for another pivotal job
JOHN Swinney i s tipped to be unveiled as Deputy First Minister this week – as the party attempts to play down concerns of a ‘ kitchen cabinet’ emerging, given the personal closeness of several key figures.
The Finance Secretary is a former SNP leader and an experienced hand, so is seen as an obvious choice to stand in for Nicola Sturgeon when she is away.
He would also be a strong voice able to counterbalance the power couples of Miss Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, SNP chief executive, and new deputy party leader Stewart Hosie and his wife Shona Robison, who is minister for public health and sport and is tipped for promotion.
Miss Robison and Miss Sturgeon are also very close and there have been reports of concerns among some Nationalists about decisions being made around breakfast tables, rather than in a more transparent and democratic forum.
One Nationalist MSP said: ‘I hope John would want to do it. He’s got one of the biggest briefs in government, so I think there would have to be some moving around in terms of briefs.’
The MSP admitted there were risks in having power concentrated in one or two married couples, but backed the individuals involved to stop it becoming an issue. ‘I can see the danger, everyone is well aware of the risk, but I don’t think it’s a concern,’ he said. ‘I also think Nicola’s style of leadership will be different from Alex, more collective. I think she will recognise the fact she’s got a lot of strength within her own government and that will help counterbalance those concerns.’ The Scottish Government refused to comment on whether Mr Swinney will be named as deputy.