SNP leader hopeful John Swinney warned rivals against taking part in the competition, saying it would “delay the ability of the [party] to begin its reconstruction”.
The former deputy leader is currently the only candidate in the running to replace Humza Yousaf, who announced last week that he would be stepping down as prime minister after his decision to end a power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Green Party led to the collapse of his premiership.
But rumors emerged today that SNP activist Graeme McCormick has gathered enough support to launch his own bid for the top job, and if he puts forward a bid before Monday’s midday deadline, the party would begin a contest three-week leadership training.
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Speaking to Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Mr Swinney accepted that there was a “democratic process” for any candidate with 100 signatures from 20 local SNP organizations to enter the race.
However, in what appeared to be a warning to any potential rivals, he added: “My bid to become leader of the SNP has received very, very broad support within the SNP. I have sent a message which is about unifying the SNP to strengthen the our party and achieve Scottish independence.
“I think this is necessary because the SNP is not currently as cohesive as the party needs to be, and my campaign attracted very broad support.
“So I think the SNP has an opportunity to start rebuilding the difficult period we’ve had under my leadership and, frankly, I’d just like to get on with that as quickly as possible, because every day we spend in an internal dispute, which I think As we probably all know the outcome, we have delayed the SNP’s ability to begin their rebuild and I want to get on with that as quickly as possible.”
Swinney also highlighted the support he received from Kate Forbes – the former leadership candidate who lost to Yousaf last year, but I was thinking about running again.
Asked by Trevor Phillips if he would appoint her to his government, he said there were “some hurdles we have to overcome before we get to that point”.
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However, Swinney revealed the pair had spoken, adding: “I think she has an important contribution to make to the national life of Scotland.
“And I have made it clear that she will have a significant role in any government I have the privilege of leading.”
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
