Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says John Swinney would profit from MSPs like Nicola Sturgeon leaving Holyrood.
SNP Holyrood selections are about balancing the need for new blood with avoiding the perception John Swinney is leading a sinking ship. Every election has churn with MSPs retiring or quitting and newbies arriving with a belief they can make a difference.
Sturgeon’s time at Holyrood is over and a future without having to declare her lucrative outside interests awaits. A life outside the Parliament means avoiding journalists and the type of scrutiny that comes with the job.But a raft of big name departures would make it look like Swinney has lost the dressing room. He needs Cabinet colleagues like Fiona Hyslop and Shona Robison to stay to ensure he can draw on experience if he hangs on as FM.
One of Sturgeon’s failings was a lack of succession planning which led to Yousaf taking over. Westminster leader Stephen Flynn trying to make the move to Holyrood shows the SNP will have options in the event of defeat in 2026. The Winter Fuel Payment debacle and the fallout from the Budget have hit Anas Sarwar and Swinney has steadied the Government. July 4th was a disaster for the SNP, but voter loyalty is weak and the pressure is now on Labour.
Anas Sarwar Nicola Sturgeon Labour Party Scottish National Party
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