Swinney promises ‘hope’ as political leaders make 2026 election pitches

The First Minister has promised to “build a national movement of hope in 2026” as political leaders across Scotland get ready to make their New Year election pitch to voters.

In a speech, John Swinney will tell voters his party offers something different from a Westminster system he says is “lurching further and further to the right”.

He is expected to say that Scotland’s future lies as an independent nation within the EU as he accuses the UK Government of making Scotland poorer.

Meanwhile, Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay will say the cost-of-living crisis will define the 2026 Parliament elections in Scotland.

Speaking to members, he will say his party offers Scots hope, and warn Scotland it would face “five more years of miserable tax rises and wasteful spending” if the SNP returns to power for an unprecedented sixth time.

Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, will describe the Holyrood election in May as a “decisive moment” for Scotland “and a clear choice for voters after almost 20 years of SNP government”.

Amid criticism of Labour’s time in government at Westminster, he will say: “You’re not choosing a prime minister – you’re choosing a first minister”.

Mr Swinney, however, will use his election speech to attack Westminster.

He is expected to say: “With each passing day, Westminster becomes ever more distant from offering solutions to Scotland’s challenges.

“The UK is lurching further and further to the right.

“Bad decisions like Brexit and austerity are leaving us all worse off.

“In this election, we will offer a vision for a very different future for Scotland.”

Mr Swinney will say he wants to see a “modern, progressive, socially democratic Scotland at the heart of Europe”.

“So let 2026 be a year when we rightly celebrate all that we are – but also imagine that which we could be,” he will add.

“Where others sow fear and division across Scotland, let us plant the seeds of hope and ambition.

“Where others try and tell people in Scotland that they can’t, let us show them that we can.

“Let us build a national movement for hope – one that reaches into every community in the land.

“Let us build a Scotland that all of us can be proud of.

“On May 7th, vote SNP and let’s offer Scotland a fresh start with independence.”

Also speaking on Monday, Mr Sarwar will say the election is about who leads the Government in Scotland, not elsewhere in the UK.

“We are embarking upon one of the most consequential years in Scotland’s history,” he will say.

“A year in which we have the opportunity to change the government in Scotland for the first time in almost 20 years – and let me be clear from the outset, that is exactly what I intend to do.

“In May, you’re not choosing a prime minister – you’re choosing a first minister.

“And ultimately, there are only two options: another decade of the SNP with John Swinney, or change with me as first minister.

“I get that as Scottish Labour we start this year as underdogs.

“But to John Swinney and anyone else who says we can’t win – whether they be other politicians, journalists, commentators or pollsters – underestimate me, underestimate the people in this room, underestimate thousands across the country at your peril.

“I am not daunted by the challenge – we are up for the fight and we are determined to win.”

Mr Findlay is expected to say his party would prioritise bringing down household bills and increasing economic growth.

He will say: “Cost-of-living pressures remain the number one concern of people across Scotland, which is why this should and will be the defining issue of the Holyrood election.

“Voters face a simple choice in a few months’ time. Either five more years of the SNP and other left-wing parties hitting them with more tax rises, or our positive plan to bring down bills by focusing on growing the economy.

“The Scottish Conservatives will fight for Scotland’s strivers and champion the virtues of lower taxation.

“Our common-sense approach will help build a stronger Scotland of opportunity for everyone.

“And in the forthcoming SNP budget, John Swinney also faces a clear choice.

“His track record gives serious cause for concern as he’s either backed or imposed every single SNP tax increase. Instead of increasing taxes, he should give Scots a break.”