Swinney could ‘bludgeon’ Starmer into referendum, claims Findlay

John Swinney could “bludgeon” the Prime Minister into allowing another referendum on independence if he wins a majority in May, Tory leader Russell Findlay has said.

The First Minister has set the bar at winning at least 65 seats in May’s election for an increase in his lobbying for another vote on separation.

While UK ministers have repeatedly said there are no conditions where a second vote would be allowed, Scottish Tory leader Mr Findlay said Sir Keir Starmer’s position was “weak” and he could change position.

Speaking to the Press Association after a speech in Glasgow on Monday, Mr Findlay said: “Keir Starmer has been in Downing Street since summer 2024 and I’ve lost count of the number of major u-turns he has committed.

“The idea that an emboldened John Swinney, on May 8, potentially with a majority, would be able to bludgeon Keir Starmer into potentially committing another u-turn – the threat is very, very real.

“Despite the fact only one in eight voters across Scotland believe that independence is a priority – for John Swinney, it is the number one priority and it always will be.”

According to opinion polls, the Scottish Tories are set for a collapse, falling to fourth place behind Labour and Reform – who are battling for second.

While he concedes he will not be first minister in May, Mr Findlay hinted that a good showing for his party would be to stop the SNP gaining the majority they seek.

“We’re a long way off even a vote being cast, but what we have to do is tell the people of Scotland what we stand for,” he said.

“We point out the shocking record of the SNP – they’ve been in power in Scotland for almost 20 years.

“They’ve been in charge of the NHS, they’ve been in charge of the education system, they’ve been in charge of the justice system, in charge of the transport network.

“By any measure, everything has got worse.

“So, the critical thing is to stop that SNP majority and return as many Scottish Conservative MSPs to Holyrood as possible.”

He added: “I’m not going to start claiming that I’ll be first minister, but what I will do is loudly and proudly talk about our candidates, our common sense policies, our values.”

SNP MSP George Adam said “even a broken clock is right twice a day”, adding: “If the SNP win a majority we will offer the people of Scotland the chance to build Scotland anew through a fresh start with independence.

“To sweeten the deal further – an SNP majority will also finally put an end to Keir Starmer’s chaotic time as Prime Minister.

“On May 7 Scotland has the chance to choose a fresh start with independence and the chance to sack Starmer – that’s the best two-for-one offer in a long time and I’m confident Scottish voters won’t let that golden opportunity pass.”

Responding to Mr Findlay, Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said it “speaks volumes” that the Tories have targeted the prevention of an SNP majority as the “height of their ambitions”.

“The truth is that neither John Swinney nor Russell Findlay have anything to offer the people of Scotland,” she said.

“That is why they both want to fixate on the arguments of the past, instead of focusing on the issues affecting Scots today.

“We understand the need to fix our NHS, restore our public services, and grow our economy so we can help ease the cost of living. Those are the challenges that we are determined to face head-on.

“The Scottish Tories may have been usurped by Reform, but in reality, they are the same team with a different badge.

“Neither of them are capable of booting the SNP and John Swinney out. Only Scottish Labour can deliver the new direction that Scotland needs.”