SWIN IT TO WIN IT
John Swinney CONFIRMS he will run for SNP leader ahead of Kate Forbes announcement
It comes after the two contenders tipped to replace Humza Yousaf as First Minister held secret talks about cutting a deal
JOHN Swinney today launched his bid to be the next First Minister and said: “I want to unite the SNP and unite Scotland for independence.”
The ex Deputy First Minister reached out to potential rival Kate Forbes, hours ahead of her making a statement to say if she’d stand - saying offering her a “significant” role in his government.
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And he threw down the gauntlet to Labour and the Tories, saying: "Once I draw the SNP together as one unified team, opposition parties in Scotland better watch out what's coming towards them.”
In a launch event in front of supporters in Edinburgh, Mr Swinney rubbished suggestions he was returning as a “caretaker” leader to clear up the mess left by Humza Yousaf’s leadership crisis, after the current First Minister sensationally quit on Monday.
Ms Forbes was this morning said to be still “weighing up” whether to stand - with Mr Swinney’s speech seen as key.
In the address, he said he wanted to “unite the SNP” and made a direct appeal to Ms Forbes.
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He heaped praise on her, describing her as an “intelligent, creative and thoughtful person”.
Following his statement, backers of Ms Forbes appeared to welcome the efforts made by the leadership candidate to reach out to his potential rival.
SNP MP Joanna Cherry said “I am very pleased to hear John Swinney reach out to Kate Forbes and pledge to restore internal party democracy and respectful debate in the SNP in his leadership pitch. This should set the tone for all that follows.”
And SNP MP Carol Monaghan - another expected to back Forbes - described it as an “excellent statement” by Mr Swinney, adding: “Very clear message about the importance of bringing the extremely talented Kate Forbes back into the heart of government.”
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Ms Forbes will make a statement this afternoon on whether she'll stand for the role again.
It comes after she held secret talks with Mr Swinney over a potential power deal in a bid to avoid a bruising leadership contest.