John Swinney rejects calls for SNP leadership contest as he promises fresh independence drive
The First Minister also said "phase two" of his leadership would focus on the case for independence.
John Swinney has rejected calls for an SNP leadership contest after his party's Hamilton by-election humbling.
The First Minister said a challenge to him at the SNP conference would not be a 'good idea' as he promised a fresh drive for independence.
Swinney has faced demands to quit after the SNP lost to Labour in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election.
It was reported this week that 25 SNP figures met on Monday to discuss the result and Swinney's future was part of the conversation.
Activists believe the SNP leader is soft pedalling on independence and the rebels have given him two weeks to reveal his strategy.
Asked if he would face a challenge this year, Swinney told the Record: 'I have absolutely no idea.'
'I don't think that would be a good idea. I came into office to help the SNP to recover from a very, very difficult situation in the spring of 2024 and I'm very focused on making sure we make that recovery, to be ready for the 2026 elections."
He was also asked about complaints his SNP Government is not acting quickly enough on independence.
He replied: 'When I came into office, the SNP was not getting a hearing from the public in Scotland. I had to make sure we could get a hearing and that's what I have been doing over the last 12 months.'
He said the first part of his two-pronged strategy as FM was to address bread-and-butter issues like the cost of living crisis and public services.
Swinney said 'phase two' centres on independence: 'That's the conversation I was always going to open up as we approach the 2026 elections."
An SNP insider close to Monday's summit said: 'NEC members better start looking for new hobbies unless the leadership announces a change of direction soon — because at this rate we are heading for a mass clear-out.
'It feels like Groundhog Day. The last time John was in charge he dropped independence, surrounded himself only by people who agreed with him, and pushed out the likes of Margo [McDonald] and anyone who challenged his devolutionist strategy.
'For those with short memories, that ended in a bruising defeat. If he stays, we will be heading for a repeat. What is left of the membership will not tolerate it.
'The ability to make the case for independence is not a desirable part of the job description — it is essential — and he has failed on probation.
'The Presbyterian schoolmaster might fly in Perthshire — but in the rest of Scotland it just does not land. Stabilising the party only works for a short time. There is no energy, no fire, no boldness, no long-term vision.'
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland on Thursday, Finance Secretary Shona Robison said the First Minister was 'absolutely' safe in his job.
Newly-appointed Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan said she 100% supports Swinney to lead the party into the next election.
SNP rules dictate that any member who can secure 100 nominations from 20 different branches ahead of conference can trigger a leadership vote.
Swinney was criticised for a by-election strategy which claimed the contest was a straight fight between the SNP and Reform, even though Labour ended up winning.
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