KATE Forbes and John Swinney have reportedly held secret talks about cutting a deal amid both of them being tipped to replace Humza Yousaf as SNP leader.
The Scottish Sun has reported the pair met face-to-face amid a plan by senior SNP politicians and officials to install Swinney as party leader, according to sources.
An insider told the paper that during the discussions, former finance secretary Forbes did “not rule out” a deal where she takes a top job in a Swinney-led cabinet.
It comes after The National reported an SNP insider had called for "a deal to be struck" amid the speculation Forbes and Swinney could face-off for the leadership.
The insider said that "a deal struck between the pair" would do the party “a world of good”.
The talks are said to have taken place at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, but no agreement was reached.
READ MORE: Scottish Parliament calls out 'massively' wrong story on Humza Yousaf
An insider close to the discussion said both camps were keen not to be seen to be briefing against each other, but confirmed the pair did talk about whether a deal could be done.
The source said: “A deal has not been ruled out.”
Neither Forbes nor Swinney has officially declared their intention to stand for SNP leader.
Numerous figures within the SNP have already backed Swinney to become the next first minister, including party leader at Westminster Stephen Flynn, his predecessor Ian Blackford, and several serving ministers such as Jenny Gilruth and Mairi McAllan.
However, the “SNP establishment” has been accused of lining up behind Swinney in order to thwart a leadership bid from Forbes by her allies.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel