Public don’t like small groups sniping at party leaders, says Mairi McAllan

The public do not like small groups of people “sniping” at party leaders, a senior Scottish minister has said after reports of anger within the SNP.

It emerged this week that a group of party members met after the loss in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election and are pushing for a fresh independence strategy.

The First Minister warned that a challenge to his leadership would not be a “good idea” when speaking to journalists on Thursday.

Speaking to the PA news agency, newly appointed Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan warned against infighting, saying she was fully behind her boss.

“Frankly, he’s a man of empathy and kindness and experience, and I think that is truly what the people of Scotland are,” she said.

“They don’t particularly take kindly, I don’t think, to small groups of folks trying to cause instability in a Government when people just want their Government to get on with the job of governing and trying to make life easier for people.

“Sniping and trying to cause instability, I think, is really unwelcome.”

Ms McAllan – who was on maternity leave at the time before returning this week – was part of the by-election campaign and was at the count last week where Labour’s Davy Russell was declared the winner.

The SNP, she said, needs to “reflect” before next year’s election, but added: “In terms of the First Minister’s leadership, I have not been hearing gripes.

“And if I did, I would be very strongly rebutting them, because I think a year ago our party wasn’t in a good place and John Swinney has stabilised our party.

“He has brought focus to the Government.”