John Swinney ‘absolutely’ safe as SNP leader, Shona Robison says

John Swinney’s position as SNP leader is “absolutely” safe, despite speculation about a challenge, a key member of the Scottish Government has insisted.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison gave her support to Mr Swinney, saying he had “stabilised” the party.

Her comments came amid reports the First Minister could face a leadership challenge from disgruntled SNP activists.

While support for the SNP has risen since Mr Swinney took on the job of both party leader and First Minister in May last year, pressure has mounted on him following the loss of the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse seat.

The defeat to Labour in the by-election came despite Mr Swinney campaigning vigorously in the area – insisting as he did that the contest was a two-horse race between the SNP and Reform.

It was reported that in the wake of the Labour victory some 25 members of the SNP met to discuss the possibility of a leadership challenge, unless Mr Swinney brings forward a new strategy on independence.

Ms Robison said: “I have not heard that at all, so I don’t know where that is coming from.”

Asked if the First Minister’s position was safe, she told BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme: “Yes, absolutely.”

She added that “the First Minister has absolutely stabilised the position within the party and government”.