WHAT we need right now is a self-aware, grounded, and focused leader who is willing to reach out across the divide to unify the party. And unify he will. In a tumultuous week for Scottish politics, we’ve heard the phrases "safe pair of hands" and "steady the ship" more than we can count. But it’s the truth.
A life of activism and service dedicated to the cause of independence, John Swinney was serving as a parliamentary member when many of the activists in the Young Scots for Independence were but glints in their faithers een. The first time I met John was in 2018 at the Hamish Henderson Matters festival in Blairgowrie. A young emerging folksinger in my teens, John was so supportive, kind, personable, instantly likeable, and generous with his time. He went on to support the festival in its various iterations over the years, committed to Scots and Gaelic arts and culture.
READ MORE: Kate Forbes's full statement as she rules herself out of SNP leadership race
After ruling himself out of the leadership contest last year, the twists and turns of Scottish politics has seen a highly respected stalwart rightfully throw his hat into the ring, uncontested. But John Swinney doesn’t want to be a short-term stop gap. In his statement, he made it clear he is here to stay; to guide the SNP through a 2026 Scottish election. If his unwavering commitment to the cause of independence and to the party is anything to go by, I believe we have a steadfast committed leader in John. Today’s announcement marks a welcomed end to the turbulence of the last six days, and to some marks a new, yet familiar, regeneration to the party. A unifying statement and exemplary example of statesmanlike decorum, John Swinney has played a blinder today.
Of course, Conservative figures, such as Meghan Gallacher (below), have been hypocritically pontificating about John Swinney being "yesterday’s man", despite their Foreign Secretary having to be made a Lord to serve in Cabinet because he hasn’t held an elected seat as MP since 2016.
There can be no greater learning curve in politics than a stint at leadership, which John Swinney had 20 years ago. But instead of disappearing into the political abyss, he then took on several frontline roles, serving as loyal deputy to Nicola Sturgeon. Not putting himself forward last year, John Swinney is a man of integrity and modesty. But today, he came out fighting, his messaging loud and clear. Laying his cards on the table with exemplary candour, John didn’t need to convince us that he’s the person for the job, but with decorum, he reminded us of his impressive track record.
Heading into a General Election, it’s vital that the SNP gets its priorities straightened out, and quick. Michael Shanks’s victory over Katy Louden in the Rutherglen by-election left me with a heavy sinking feeling. But since entering the House of Commons, Shanks has proven himself as just another one of Starmer’s puppets. Yesterday, on International Workers Day of all days, the Labour party reiterated their lack of willingness to truly support workers. In Holyrood, Scottish Labour chose to abstain on a motion which would see full compensation paid to the Waspi women impacted by state pension inequality. A fact that Humza Yousaf took little time to iterate in his first FMQs since resigning.
Meanwhile, Keir Starmer announced that Labour’s "new deal for workers" will not fully ban zero-hours contracts. Even the most avid of Labour-affiliating trade unionists will have been disappointed, but not surprised at Labours full-frontal attack on the rights of workers across the entirety of the UK. Meanwhile in Holyrood, the Scottish Government survived Labour’s vote of no confidence. Anas Sarwar didn’t get the "aha" moment he so desperately needed. It’s likely that the local elections in England will garner many Labour wins and embolden Labour. But there’s still time for the SNP to recalibrate and get its ducks in a row before the General Election.
And what better way to reset the political chessboard than a Cabinet reshuffle that will bring talented communicators like Kate Forbes back to the fore. John knows that the General Election will require a fight. But with Swinney’s extensive experience in front line politics and his history in navigating the intricacies of running a minority government, I can’t think of anyone better suited to unite the party behind what he described in his speech as a "moderate centre left" agenda.
John stated that the party is ‘facing difficult times’, and iterated the importance of bringing people together, immediately disclosing that he would be looking to bring Kate Forbes into the cabinet in a senior position.
READ MORE: Kate Forbes will NOT run for SNP leadership
It may be over a year since Kate Forbes’s personal views on same sex marriage, abortion, and trans people came to light during the fractious leadership contest. Given the fact that LGBT rights have consistently been placed under threat by UK Government policies, now more than ever, the SNP membership needs not only a leader, but a Cabinet who will unanimously and steadfastly champion their rights. Humza’s leadership has proven a strong example that a leader can in fact separate their religion with their progressive values and policies, so why don’t we give Kate Forbes the same benefit of the doubt to enact progressive policies within cabinet?
Gearing up to a General Election, right now is not the time for a long-winded leadership contest that forces the party’s membership into never-ending debates, hustings and unedifying public discourse. I feel hope.
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