Amid challenges and scepticism, swinney aims to restore stability and unity within the SNP

John Swinney’s appointment as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) marks a pivotal moment for the party, following a tumultuous period under Humza Yousaf and internal divisions over policy and direction. Swinney’s leadership, perceived by many as a “coronation,” comes with a promise of steadying the ship, as highlighted by *BBC* journalist Dani Garavelli. His efforts to smooth the transition and unite factions within the party, particularly by securing the backing of Kate Forbes and “serial disruptor” Graeme McCormick, have been viewed as strategic moves to ensure party cohesion ahead of the upcoming general election.

However, Swinney’s return to power is not without criticism or scrutiny. Detractors argue that his uncontested appointment sidestepped internal debate and leadership renewal. They also note that his leadership may reflect a small, tight-knit circle controlling the SNP. Additionally, Swinney faces challenges from opposition parties, as the *Spectator*’s Steerpike illustrates, with his past criticisms coming back to haunt him. Nevertheless, Swinney pledges to prioritize practical issues like child poverty, health care, and economic stability while delicately handling contentious topics such as gender identity and Scotland’s push for independence.

Ultimately, Swinney is seen by many as a stabilizing force capable of minimizing the damage from resurgent opposition parties and uniting a fractious SNP in preparation for future electoral battles. While questions remain about his ability to develop a “bold new vision,” many believe his experience and leadership could help the SNP regain its footing, despite internal divisions and the external pressures of opposition parties.

BBC 

BBC columnist Dani Garavelli provides a comprehensive analysis of John Swinney’s rise to leadership in the SNP, emphasizing the strategic acumen he demonstrated in unifying his party before officially assuming the role. Swinney managed to secure support from potential rivals Kate Forbes and Graeme McCormick, preventing a repeat of last year’s acrimonious leadership battle. Swinney assured Forbes a prominent cabinet position, ensuring her backing and neutralizing divisions that might have otherwise arisen from her conservative stance on social issues. Similarly, he persuaded McCormick to withdraw his candidacy after extensive discussions, highlighting his ability to broker unity amid internal tensions.

Garavelli acknowledges the complexities of Swinney’s new leadership, pointing out potential criticisms over the lack of fresh ideas due to his uncontested appointment and the perception that a small group controls the SNP. Despite these concerns, she notes that his acceptance speech struck a conciliatory tone, promising to engage disenfranchised pro-independence factions and other parties, particularly after the SNP’s recent break with the Scottish Greens.

Swinney’s leadership faces immediate challenges, particularly in delivering tangible results on key issues like child poverty. While his predecessor, Yousaf, also made child poverty a priority, the problem remains deeply rooted despite the SNP’s measures to address it. Additionally, Swinney must balance welcoming Forbes into his cabinet with potential backlash from more progressive members, all while carefully handling the party’s fractured relationship with the Greens.

On independence, Garavelli acknowledges that Swinney’s previous stint as leader ended in failure due to his inability to chart a clear path forward. He must now convince pro-independence factions that he has a viable strategy for securing a second referendum while addressing more immediate concerns like the economy and healthcare. His ultimate test will be whether he can guide the SNP to maintain power in the 2026 elections while keeping the quest for independence alive.

The Spectator 

The Spectator’s Steerpike presents a critical take on John Swinney’s ascent to the position of First Minister, describing his appointment as a “coronation event like no other.” Swinney returned to the forefront of SNP leadership unopposed after Humza Yousaf’s resignation, a transition that Steerpike suggests was orchestrated more carefully than initially portrayed.

Swinney faced opposition leaders in a ceremony that starkly resembled one a year prior. The Scottish Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat leaders all acknowledged their slim chances of securing the First Minister post but made their opposition to Swinney clear. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and Conservative leader Douglas Ross criticized Swinney using his own words from two decades ago, pointing to his criticisms of political cronyism and backroom deals. Sarwar, in particular, highlighted the lack of democratic process in Swinney’s ascension and the inconsistencies in the SNP’s approach to selecting new leadership.

Steerpike provides a glimpse into the challenges Swinney now faces as he grapples with the expectations of leading a party increasingly divided on various issues. While Swinney used humour to deflect criticism and maintained his composure throughout the ceremony, he could not fully escape the irony of his past statements resurfacing. Steerpike emphasizes that Swinney’s experience will be tested as he seeks to reconcile different factions within the SNP and regain voter confidence amid strong challenges from opposition parties.

Ultimately, *The Spectator* remains sceptical about whether Swinney’s experience and leadership style will translate into effective governance and meaningful progress on pressing issues. While Swinney may have the skills and knowledge to guide the SNP through turbulent times, his success in the role will depend on his ability to deliver on the promises of uniting the party and addressing Scotland’s diverse concernsJohn Swinney’s New Leadership Unites and Challenges SNP