Curtice: Swinney’s Reform block call aims to sow division in Tories and Labour

John Swinney is aiming to “sow division” within unionist parties by calling for cross-party efforts to “lock out” Reform UK, according to the country’s top pollster.

Professor Sir John Curtice made the claim a day after the First Minister held a conference at Bute House where he pledged to hold a summit to block the threat of the far-right – which he said included Reform – in Scotland.

Nigel Farage’s party has been surging in the polls and is currently sitting at around 12% – enough to potentially return several MSPs at the 2026 Holyrood election.

Sir John said that while Reform did not pose a threat to the SNP, it could cause difficulties for any incoming Labour government if the party wins the next Holyrood election.

The University of Strathclyde professor said the rise of Reform – which polls around double the rate in England – was “adding to the difficulties” facing Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, whose party has taken a dip in recent polls.

He added: “I think Mr Swinney, apart from perhaps a genuine wish to try to draw a line against Reform, is perhaps not unaware that politically, it’s advantageous to him to sow further division within the unionists’ ranks.”

Mr Sarwar previously told reporters that he would not work with Reform in the Scottish Parliament, but added at the time that he would not turn down “good ideas”.

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.