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John Swinney looks set to be coronated as SNP leader following Humza Yousaf’s meltdown.
The veteran MSP, who is Nicola Sturgeon’s long-term deputy, could become the only candidate after leading challenger Kate Forbes announced she would not stand.
Earlier, Mr Swinney offered Mr Forbes an olive branch, saying he could “unite” the party.
He admitted that “we are not united at the moment” and warned of “tough times” ahead “unless the SNP changes”.
He said Mr Forbes was “an intelligent, creative and thoughtful person who has much to contribute to public life”.
He promised that Kate would play a “key role” within the team, declining to say whether that meant being a deputy, but added: “If elected, I would like to ensure that Kate is able to make that contribution.” I intend to do so,” he added.
Applications for candidates do not close until next Monday, but it seems highly unlikely that any other candidates will emerge at this point.
John Swinney officially launched his candidacy for the SNP leadership today.
Kate Forbes has decided not to challenge Mr Swinney for Scotland’s top job.
Opinion polls show Ms Siwinnie is more popular among SNP activists, but the wider public would prefer her as prime minister
Ms Forbes said in a statement this afternoon: “Ultimately, we conclude that the best way to deliver the urgent change that Scotland needs is to work with John Swinney and advocate for his reform agenda within the Scottish Government. I attached it,” he said.
Mr. Forbes, a devout Christian, clashed fiercely with Mr. Shiwini over his opposition to same-sex marriage when he narrowly lost to Mr. Yousaf just over a year ago, but pointed out that there was a “groundbreaking” of support for his renewed advocacy. was.
Supporters also claimed that Mr Siwinney was Ms Sturgeon’s “follow-up” candidate and that she was her “advocate”.
Although Ms Siwinnie is popular among SNP activists, her support is backed by polls that suggest the wider public would prefer her as prime minister.
Mr Swinney told an audience at the Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh this morning that he was “not the manager’s choice”.
He said: “I will lead the party in the Westminster election and I have offered to lead the party into the 2026 election and beyond. I intend to win for the SNP and for Scotland.”
Mr Swinney said the party was “not united right now. We are not united”.
“While we do not operate as one big unified team, I am absolutely convinced that together the SNP will be a formidable force for good in Scotland and “I offer it to you, that it will be a formidable force for success,” he said.
Mr Swinney, 60, represented Ms Sturgeon for almost nine years.
Perthshire North MSP was also SNP leader from 2000 to 2004, but resigned due to poor performance in the European elections.
When he decided not to run for leadership last year, he said it was time for a new generation to take over.
Party leaders including Westminster Party leader Stephen Flynn, Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray and Scottish Education Secretary Jenny Gilles have already said they would support Mr Siwiny if he decides to stand in the election.
He is scheduled to give a statement at the Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh at 10.30am.
Kate Forbes, Scotland’s former Chancellor of the Exchequer, has yet to confirm whether she will make similar remarks about the SNP’s future leadership.
Several party leaders are backing the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP, including Joanna Cherry and Fergus Ewing.
Yousaf dramatically announced his resignation earlier this week.
