Scottish Labour criticises the SNP for lack of democratic accountability as John Swinney emerges as a key candidate for Scotland’s next First Minister, succeeding Humza Yousaf.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) is facing criticism from Scottish Labour following the announcement that John Swinney is likely to become Scotland’s third First Minister within a year, succeeding Humza Yousaf. Labour’s deputy leader, Dame Jackie Baillie, has accused the SNP of evading democratic accountability by rejecting calls for a Holyrood election. This accusation comes as Yousaf prepares to step down amidst the threat of a no-confidence vote.
John Swinney, who dismissed the call for an election as a “red herring,” and Kate Forbes, the former finance secretary, are the main contenders for the leadership of SNP. If Swinney is victorious in the upcoming leadership contest and subsequent First Minister election, Forbes is expected to assume a significant role in his government.
The SNP has rejected Labour’s criticism, labeling it as hypocritical and asserting that the comparison between Westminster and Holyrood electoral procedures is flawed. They confirmed that the next Scottish Parliament election will depend on the outcome of the SNP leadership race. This exchange intensifies the political tensions between SNP and Scottish Labour, implying a rocky road ahead in Scottish politics.
