John Swinney, anticipated to be Scotland’s next First Minister, has been involved in significant political developments across the UK. Swinney, recognized as a “leader-in-waiting” of the Scottish National Party (SNP), hinted at a potential coalition with the Labour Party if the upcoming general election results in a hung parliament. This suggestion surfaced during a conversation with Sir Trevor Phillips on a Sky News program, where Labour’s campaign chief, Pat McFadden, showed reluctance towards such an alliance.

Parallel to these political maneuverings, Swinney faces scrutiny from the Scottish Liberal Democrats concerning deleted WhatsApp messages during his tenure, which were discussed at the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. Alex Cole-Hamilton, leader of the Liberal Democrats, called for increased transparency and accountability in governance, urging Swinney to address the concerns raised about the handling of government records.

In addition to internal pressures, Swinney’s potential SNP leadership could be challenged by veteran SNP activist Graeme McCormick, who is considering a run. Swinney, supported by figures like former finance secretary Kate Forbes, has emphasized the need for party unity to address post-election challenges.

Meanwhile, Unite, the largest union supporting the Labour Party, threatened to retract funding over concerns about Labour’s commitment to workers’ rights under Keir Starmer’s leadership. Unite, led by General Secretary Sharon Graham, is contemplating redirecting funds to ensure Labour MPs uphold labour-centric policies, reflecting ongoing tensions over party direction and support.

These unfolding events indicate a complex period ahead for both the SNP and Labour as they navigate internal leadership challenges and potential post-election coalitions in a dynamically shifting political landscape.