SNP only party ‘serious about winning’ Holyrood election, Swinney claims

The SNP is the only party “serious about winning” the Scottish Parliament election, the First Minister has claimed.

John Swinney claimed Labour had now “given up the pretence” that it was trying to win a majority at Holyrood.

He repeated his claims that Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar wanted to do a deal with Reform to become first minister – something both parties deny.

He said an SNP majority at Holyrood would lock out the “politics of Nigel Farage” from power in Scotland.

Mr Swinney said his party was the only one with a “serious plan” for Scotland.

He accused Labour and Reform of having “nothing to say” on the “energy crisis hammering households”.

“Over the first full week of this election campaign, it has been clear that the SNP is the only party with a serious plan for Scotland’s future and is the only party serious about winning,” the First Minister said.

“On the biggest issue of the day – the energy crisis hammering households in Scotland – Reform and Labour have had nothing to say.

“Labour on both sides of the border are standing by and doing nothing while people in Scotland suffer.

“Labour has also given up on any pretence that they are seeking to actually win the election – their energy is now focused entirely on ensuring they have the numbers to do a deal with Nigel Farage and the Tories after the election.

“That is one of the reasons that I am so determined to secure an SNP majority.

“The politics of Nigel Farage and Reform have no place in our society and an SNP majority will lock them out of power.

“And crucially, an SNP majority will unlock the fresh start of independence that will allow us to bring down energy bills and make sure Scotland’s energy wealth works for us, rather than flowing to the UK Government.”

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: “This election should be about the cost-of-living but John Swinney only wants to talk about independence.

“We know that if the SNP get a majority, Swinney will use it as a mandate to break up the United Kingdom.

“This is not some distant threat. The danger of an SNP majority is very real.

“But Scots can stop it, just like we did in 2016 and 2021.

“John Swinney thinks he’s got this election in the bag, but you can stop him by voting Scottish Conservative on your peach ballot paper.

“That’s your secret weapon to stop an SNP majority.”

Scottish Labour’s deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said: “John Swinney’s arrogance is breathtaking.

“This election is our first real chance in nearly 20 years to change the Scottish government and it is not a chance we can afford to miss.

“Scottish Labour is determined to get rid of this tired and complacent SNP government and deliver a better future for Scotland.

“On May 7 we can reject Reform and vote for change by electing a Scottish Labour government that will get the basics right in our public services and make life more affordable for Scots.”