2 weeks ago
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John Swinney officially launched his SNP leadership bid today as the separatists reel from Humza Yousaf's meltdown.
The veteran MSP, Nicola Sturgeon's long-term deputy, said he can 'unite' the party as allies try to force a 'coronation' rather than a contest.
'We are not cohesive right now,' he admitted, warning that there would be 'tough times' unless the SNP 'changes'.
Mr Swinney extended an olive branch to potential opponent Kate Forbes, who is set to announce later whether she will stand for the job.
He said Ms Forbes is 'a colleague, she's a friend' - but dodged saying whether he would offer her the role of deputy First Minister if he wins.
Devout Christian Ms Forbes - who clashed bitterly with Mr Swinney over her opposition to gay marriage as she narrowly lost to Mr Yousaf just over a year ago - has said there is a 'groundswell' of backing for her to make another pitch.
Supporters have also swiped that Mr Swinney is a 'continuity' candidate and 'apologist' for Ms Sturgeon.
She has been boosted by a poll indicating that while Mr Swinney is more popular among SNP activists, the wider public would prefer her as First Minister.
John Swinney officially launched his SNP leadership bid today
Kate Forbes is considering whether to run against Mr Swinney for Scotland's top job
Ms Forbes has been boosted by a poll indicating that while Mr Swinney is more popular among SNP activists, the wider public would prefer her as First Minister
The contest could amount to a battle for the SNP's soul, as the party struggles with falling support and police investigate its finances.
Mr Swinney told a crowd at the Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh this morning that he is 'not a caretaker' option.
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.'
Mr Swinney said the party is 'not cohesive just now, we are not together'.
'We're not operating as one big unified team, but what I am absolutely certain about is if the SNP gets its act together it will be a formidable force for good in Scotland and a formidable force for success in Scotland as well and that's what I offer,' he said.
Mr Swinney, 60, served as Ms Sturgeon's deputy for almost nine years.
The Perthshire North MSP was also SNP leader between 2000 and 2004, standing down after a poor showing at the European elections.
When he decided not to stand for the leadership last year he said it was time for a new generation to take over.
Senior party members, including Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, Scotland's Health Secretary Neil Gray and Scotland's Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, have already said they would support Mr Swinney if he decides to stand for election.
He is expected to make his statement at 10.30am at the Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh.
Former Scottish finance secretary Kate Forbes has yet to confirm whether or not she will make any similar statement on the future leadership of the SNP.
Several senior party members have backed the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP, including Joanna Cherry and Fergus Ewing.
Mr Yousaf dramatically announced he was quitting earlier this week
