Swinney poised for coronation as SNP leader and Scotland's new first minister

As the saying goes: "Those who forget their history are condemned to repeat it."
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Well the SNP has obviously learnt some harsh lessons from last year's vicious leadership battle. Instead of plunging into another contest to see who will become party leader and Scotland's first minister, they've seemingly chosen a consensual coronation instead.
Former leader John Swinney is the anointed one. And his showering of praise on would-be rival Kate Forbes, almost half his age, seems to have love-bombed her out of the race.
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[@phillipwatson9906]

Replace one failure with another failure great job SNP

[@chiefgilray]

Comma??

[@johnfisher7587]

He won’t last that long when there is a general election

[@lindacurrie8817]

​@@johnfisher7587Don't be too sure about that. Scotland its citizens have to have a voice. If not the UK government has a free pass to do what they want. Must not let that happen.

[@kennymorrison7227]

​@@lindacurrie8817We have a voice without the corrupt embarrassing clowns of the SNP.

[@Tao_Tology]

​@@lindacurrie8817 #NationalistParanoia 😂

[@user-wd9mf6jr7i]

The hypocrisy of SNP in this scenario is shocking. One rule for the Tory parliament, another for Scottish government. God this is dire.

[@sarajohnstone7128]

Channel 4 always so unprofessional and flippant when it comes to Scottish news, can you not give the same professionalism you grant to English politics?

[@Tao_Tology]

#NationalistTears

[@VioletBagpipeSack-xf3ke]

are you mad? Seriously?

[@Erakius323]

If he wants popular support, start by scrapping that hate crime bill, or, at the minimum, jailing the person who passed it, under their own law.

[@kirsteneasdale5707]

Bills are passed by a majority in Parliament. Not one person.

[@martindornan1667]

The hate crime and public order act was supported by the Liberal Democrats, Labour, Green and SNP political parties in the Scottish parliament. The vote was 82 for and 32 against. Anas Sarwar Labour leader in Scotland supports the hate crime and public order act and voted for it. Alex cole Hamilton Liberal leader in Scotland supports the hate crime and public order act and voted for it. Patrick Harvey Green party joint leader in Scotland supports the hate crime and public order act and voted for it. Four political parties in the Scottish parliament support the hate crime and public order act not just the SNP.

[@Erakius323]

@@martindornan1667 And this is why the U.K. has now dropped to being classed as a developing democracy. Each day this country becomes more authoritarian.

[@Blorp_]

@@martindornan1667that’s great, and how does the public feel about the law?

[@frankcouper9377]

Dishonest Swinney, what could go wrong.

[@martindornan1667]

I hope you have a good lawyer making accusations against a person with no proof.

[@pedroaloha301]

Swinney wants that MP's pension before its too late for him

[@chucky2316]

😂

[@kirsteneasdale5707]

John Swinney is an MSP. Not MP. Only an MSP can become FM. I hope that clears up your misunderstanding of our political system.

[@martindornan1667]

In 2024 John Swinney is an MSP in the Scottish parliament not Westminster that has MPs.

[@jmca3324]

Are you laughing at the op who's completely wrong ?

[@strangetrip837]

The SNP is not exactly swimming in talent. Get rid of the old guard completely,

[@vanhooler358]

The green B/S will destroy them more.

[@chiefgilray]

Which party are

[@New-ye2fl]

What party is? See who they put up, can’t be much worse than humza.

[@wescotsforuniteduk55]

​@@New-ye2flI think they'll continue with the wrecking ball

[@chiefgilray]

@@wescotsforuniteduk55 silly anti Scottish UK nationalist

[@davidredding1988]

Get them all out. Or nothing will change.

[@teresaward8174]

Sturgeons yes man I wonder how long will be last.

[@rogertempleman-ed2xv]

Swinney the ninny will suddenly have health issues when he looks at the SNPs books balanced by mr krankie?

[@williamf4544]

Kate Forbes playing a clever game preparing herself to appear the saviour of the SNP when this one also goes pear shaped - We are all being taken for fools

[@simpleasliam657]

John Swinney is definitely the right person for the SNP right now

[@Tao_Tology]

100% Yet another failed 'leader' to help show the lack of talent or direction in the party.

[@pablobomgiorno8273]

​@@Tao_Tology Just a hater being a useless hater

[@Tao_Tology]

@@pablobomgiorno8273 ....but enough about _the SNP "leadership"_ and their own criticisms of each other. Still, if you want to claim Swinney _isn't_ a failed leader then feel free to list his record of achievements when he had the party top job. Really: feel free.

[@martindornan1667]

The London Labour branch office manager in Scotland Anas Sarwar stood for election in the constituency of Glasgow southside in the 2021 Scottish parliament election. Anas Sarwar failed to get elected by the people of Glasgow Southside and got into the Scottish parliament on the list.

[@Tao_Tology]

Hahaha, look at you mouthing those 'zinger' words your nationalist seperatist party buddies tell you to say.

[@martindornan1667]

@@Tao_Tology I read it on the BBC website when I looked up the results of the 2021 Scottish parliament election for the constituency of Glasgow Southside that Anas Sarwar tried to win but lost. It's Anas Sarwar the London Labour branch office manager in Scotland that keeps saying that other people were not elected to the Scottish parliament when in fact Anas Sarwar the London Labour branch office manager lost the constituency of Glasgow Southside to Nicola Sturgeon by a substantial margin in the 2021 Scottish parliament election and got into the Scottish parliament on the list.

[@Tao_Tology]

@@martindornan1667 😅 That's the way, keep mouthing the words the snp tell you to say. Remember: don't question the party. 😏

[@StrikeBolteafc]

@@Tao_Tologyit’s true tho how stupid are you

[@BritishMoralHQ]

i was a foreign student , i worked as waiter in aberdeen scotland .. premier lodge ..next to safeway supermarket.. and i remember...serving scottish government entire staff .. we gave a really good service .. but they left review saying .. they were not happy to have foreign workers .. true story ..cross my heart !!

[@chiefgilray]

Fake story

[@julianshepherd2038]

​@@chiefgilraybut he wrote "true story" 😂

[@happypenskip]

Yeah right.

[@grahamfindlay7288]

Why would a "foreign" student call themselves BritishMoral HQ. Only a gammon brit would adopt a name like that

[@DickDyeria]

Cross my heart I believe you 🤥

[@alfieakaronaldog]

Humza Yousaf can add ‘First Minister….. WHITE’ to his long list now.

[@user-yo3mn2ro6w]

Congratulations, well done, I now have confidence in the #snp @johnswinney #yeswecan let's go John, I vote yes to John and wish him good luck, he does have a big job ahead, I have great confidence in John again well done and about time. ❤

[@Foxbandicoot9]

I’m sorry is that the labour party’s Scottish branch manager talking about OTHERS having a lot of leaders?? Is he for real? The neck.

[@scarba]

Spoke to him on the phone back in the poll tax days when he was a youngster and he was extremely supportive and seemed very genuine

[@brianconnor7828]

I could waffle nonsense and you would believe me!! A clown taking our country to the dogs!! And this is why are country is on the decline.

[@georgemorrison9280]

Bland and dull …and dead frightened of an election . Honest John is a dreadful misnomer .

[@brigittapayne6203]

Seems a nice man, hope his policies are better than his 2 predecessors , I would still prefer SNP than Labour to win in the next election

[@saltnessmonster]

He is the Jimmy Savile of Scotland,

[@JD-Media]

@@saltnessmonster John'll fix it!

[@rogertempleman-ed2xv]

Are u insane?

[@kevinsakwa6665]

No one is tackling the elephant in the room….Question is are we gone have a Scottish indipendence or are we not?

[@colinstalker2356]

I'LL wait and see. He is very dull though and that matters

[@chiefgilray]

Think performance matters, maybe try voting for a leader and not a clown

[@JD-Media]

@@chiefgilray In modern politics, personality and charisma matter, all data shows that. Being boring is a fast way to lose.

[@Tao_Tology]

Thing is, you don't need to 'wait and see', you can just look back at the _last_ time he was party leader.

[@chiefgilray]

@@JD-Media rather have someone who can do a job

[@chiefgilray]

@@Tao_Tology unionist mindset

[@bigceazer]

at last Scotland finally has a leader that looks like the population he represents. thank goodness.

[@JamieWalker-pc6nd]

Hold on a minute seriously people where is the leadership vote? I legit paid and put my name in and nothing

[@chiefgilray]

Kathryn can't take her phone out her hands, is it too much for her

[@Mike_5]

Swinney is looking forward to the free Motorhome promised in the Job Advert

[@Dirpitz]

Dear SNP, if you actually want an independent Scotland, give the English the vote on it.

[@DannyWaringxxx1]

We voted already, it was no

[@Dirpitz]

@@DannyWaringxxx1oh go on please, they won't shut up about it and I can't take any more of being shat on by westminster and then getting blamed for it, like wtf can I do, if I could be free I would be but unfortunately there's no Use the M25 as a border wall movement xD

[@rogertempleman-ed2xv]

Yes all the English would vote go and never come back !!!!

[@Tao_Tology]

Except that most people in Scotland, just like most people across the UK want nothing to with nationalist separatist nonsense.

[@Dirpitz]

@@Tao_Tology completely false and only a non native would think so, the native English want the native Welsh, Scots Irish and English natives to go their way and not have their traditions culture and heritage washed away in the name of elitist globalist 'progress'

[@JamieWalker-pc6nd]

Hey wait a minute where’s the vote?

[@New-ye2fl]

BRING BACK THE STURG

[@danielblake8956]

John Swinney has Norman ancestors !!

[@jake751]

Personally i would rather have Stephen flynn. He's a good man

[@williamf4544]

Yes you could be right

[@kirsteneasdale5707]

Unfortunately he is not an MSP so isn’t eligible to stand for FM

[@rogertempleman-ed2xv]

Thank God

[@Elainemacpherson-zj7dk]

Im going to run for SMP MP in.2026..im.fine with you as leader

[@ginigang]

Looks and sounds the part.

[@JD-Media]

Yep, he perfectly fits the role of a leader about to face a big defeat in the general election.

[@cathalobrien5691]

I was hoping for Kate Forbes

[@vanhooler358]

Kate let me down with her green agenda speech, into bed with the greens is a no go for any party.

[@JD-Media]

Don't worry you will get her, Swinney will turn out to be a transitional leader who will resign once the SNP takes its inevitable beating in the general election and labour rebounds in Scotland. He will resign and Kate will likely be the next option.

[@parallaxview6770]

Meet the new boss Same as the old boss ...

[@mrp8811]

is it just me but he looks like captain Jean-Luc Picard if the glasses are gone....and btw. thats a compliment. love star trek. he should start saying "engage" trekkies wont care about the state of a country.

[@RB-jq6gh]

Keep it in the family 👹➡️👹➡️👹➡️ 🔄

[@user-wd9mf6jr7i]

No one on the face of the earth pronounces it 'Scoddish' unless they become a politician. As someone who's studied a very basic amount of linguistics I'm at a loss. Why do they all speak like this? It's 'Scottish' or 'Sco-ish'...

[@TheScaryTruthCatalyst]

I'm only here for the comments section...😅

[@ShadohKotn]

we dont believe this guy

[@1963johnbhoy]

Great move replace a bigger dud than another dud.

[@ianscott6547]

Nicolas twin as replacement from the same stable some never learn.

[@ninetalesxyo8842]

Caretaker Swinney

[@ba-gg6jo]

Outrageous he is the wrong shade.

[@Scott-bb5nj]

Desperation at its best. They will not deal with the real failures of the last 17 years- get ready for more failings and separation. 🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@JohnCowie]

The SNP are 🇬🇧 hijacked saboteurs & FRAUDS. Working for your side.

[@vontrippenhoff5937]

Kate Forbes should take the helm if not shame on you John Swinney..I'm a scot and I like all others including the ex voters of your party we will kick you out in the next election it's not about what you think or what you do ..let the people decide democratically like you say..do we want election yes we do..get it done or we will send you hameward..I would be home caring for my wife 24/7 but your ego wont let you ...shame on you .from Scotland

[@DavidM-gx8fs]

Vile man

[@ElmugreTV]

Its amusing when a political party is intent on ending itself.

[@vanhooler358]

The greens are doing a great job for them.

[@lindacurrie8817]

​@@vanhooler358That trophy belongs to the Tories. First in the queue for sure.

[@ElmugreTV]

@@vanhooler358 SNP are doing a better job of it by restoring a previous failure to a government that is already failing.

[@Scottishgirl2]

Jesus.....😂😂😂

[@Sameoldfitup]

Meet the new boss same as the old boss 😅

[@chucky2316]

Better looking 😂

[@kennymorrison7227]

Not for long uguv poll suggests SNP will lose at least half their seats at the general election.

[@kriskalpa]

at least he's Scottish. Scotland need a leader focused on Scotland, not Gaza.

[@phil9582]

God that was excruciating. She's no good at gotchas

[@user-wz3kt6zu8b]

Is he a member of WEF?? If yes’!! yous are effffttttt 😂God help us all 🤣

[@SA-ff9uc]

What happened to the Pakistinian man?

[@birtlee2078]

Why not Forbes - she will take us forward!!

[@boogboog8097]

Snp minority need the 2 greens votes to carry anything. The greens are marxist extremists fixated on transgender ideology. Kate is a pro life Christian Christianophobia from the greens they will not allow her. Wonder if humzer will say its racist 🤔

[@julianshepherd2038]

The Head Master is back.

[@24hourjukebox55]

looks like I'll be voting Raving Loony Party.....AGAIN.

[@chucky2316]

Vote for that split pin tony Blair again

[@DnBclassictunes]

Dear oh dear lol. These people are on another planet

[@Plaw01]

Would be funny if Operation Branchform meant he got arrested next week.

[@tpmbe]

Oh Dear, not exactly new blood is it.... same old same old same old the same old record playing again.... we are all tired of this SNP same old story in Scotland

[@chucky2316]

Another scotch tony Blair must be proud 😂

[@nanunanu8745]

Honest John wont last 6 months

[@user-jt3dj4dd7j]

Haaaaaaaaa cant stop laughing thats a classic

[@123brownjames]

Swinney will be fine so long as Sturgeon is fine . That’s all I’ll say.

[@patrickcavanagh9591]

Oh great another unelected minion. KERCHING

[@hazelslater5558]

Does anyone think there was a bit of bribery going on.

[@scudosmyth784]

YES! Lets see what post Forbes gets, putting herself first not the people.

[@blackaigle5702]

N The saga continues

[@simanothername3035]

Who? And will he be arrested next week for fraud?

[@hopefull2070]

Oh please NO!!... Not a John Swinney Swindle to contend with. 🤪

[@simanothername3035]

@@hopefull2070 I am not sure Mr Bland is capable of crime.

[@carlkamuti]

Swinney's making a personal sacrifice by becoming the next 1st minister? Awww, didums. I guess if he means he is going to be the face of a Labour takeover of Scotland he may be right. At least he's got the experience for it though 😆

[@titteryenot4524]

Swinney’s interim. He’s not gonna lead Scotland to independence. It’s close, but if Sturgeon/Salmond can’t do it, then there’s no way Swinney’s gonna do it. He has all the charisma of a soggy haggis.

[@carltontweedle5724]

Nothing worse then a soggy haggis.

[@Celticsamuraiblue]

Spoken like a delusional unionist. The union is over.

[@titteryenot4524]

@@Celticsamuraiblue Huh? What makes you think I’m a ‘unionist’? That’s like calling me an ‘atheist’ when I’m not sure about the existence of God. You need more intellectual rigour, petal. 👍

[@doghat1619]

If Scotland wasn't going to vote for independence back in 2014, it never will. The independence dream is over, the SNP needs to focus on being the best government for the devolved nation

[@Celticsamuraiblue]

@@doghat1619 Nonsensical, Scotland now has an even better reason to vote for independence, freedom of movement to 26 Countries 🇪🇺 or freedom of movement to Tory ville 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🤓🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@johnfisher7587]

What does Sturgeon say about this because she still runs the SNP

[@user-od8so1ho1l]

It's a circus of clowns 🤡

[@susangreen8820]

Guess we will have to wait for the next GE to vote the SNP out completely.

[@DannyWaringxxx1]

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss

[@kingscross1452]

Dull dull dull .

[@hansshell6792]

SNP ate the enemy within

[@saltnessmonster]

He is the Jimmy Savile of Scotland.

[@VikiStorm]

Please elaborate on your opinion?

[@canadianpsychologist]

Cathy Newman ought to do better next time. Her interview on 16 January 2018 was disastrous and she should be held to account for her wrongdoings that day.

[@chucky2316]

Scotch once again

[@paulqueenan178]

My god he white 😭

[@williamf4544]

Labour could wipe the floor with the SNP at the next election - If they didnt have Sarwar in charge

[@w.vanherk2946]

I've to say Kathryn is a real journo tiger. MSPs have a real fast pace in the parliament halls and she keeps up whilst spending breath on questions no bother. And those slippery moves seasoned politicians like Swinney and the likes conjure up when thrown hardballs, those tactics of going on long rants to avoid proper answer, she's not faced by them and throws them another. Effortlessly. We need more of that on the telly.

[@sb6678]

Another haggis munching whisky swiller.

[@thomasqqcouperji4491]

But he got the snp into this mess

[@The_World_Champion.]

How?

[@MIhELLbOY]

so more of the same for us Scots 😢😢

[@chucky2316]

Vote labour

[@user-dx7oy1iu4h]

🎉Greetings from Yemen 🇾🇪 to Palestine 🇵🇸 and to all free people in the world

[@BrianMcMurray-ms1fd]

Scotland is doomed…DOOMED!!!!

[@dazjackson1972]

This is terrific news - for those of us who despise the SNP. An "empty suit" is the perfect pick. 😂

[@joolz6191]

God help us if Sweeney becomes first minister

[@alanpoole6064]

What a load of garbage

[@chiefgilray]

No bother... Dude

[@birtlee2078]

Disaster - our loonie members strike again!!

[@reamoinmcdonachadh9519]

Oh, you never know, try, try and try again! Maybe third time's the charm? Safe pair of hands through a UK Election, though what happens when it's the Scots own elections is a different matter.

[@BattleDrunk]

She was sexy looking

[@boogboog8097]

He will be the final nail in the snp coffin the backlash from the Scottish people at the next election will be huge.

[@benmacdui9328]

They will win by landslide as usual so zip it.

[@chiefgilray]

😂🤣😂🤣

[@amcc5887]

I Take it you a Unionist 🙄🙄🙄

[@amcc5887]

​@@chiefgilray,😂😂😂👍

[@grahamfindlay7288]

I cant help but agree. I honestly cant comprehend what the SNP are playing at. Its like a suicide pact they've entered into. Swinney led them into their worst period till the current nightmare

[@nigelraporam6917]

At least they actually have a scot ruling them this time

[@chiefgilray]

Always have had a scot

[@nigelraporam6917]

@@chiefgilray hamas yuckas wasn't scottish

[@chiefgilray]

@@nigelraporam6917 he was born in Scotland ... Get a life.

[@user-ey6rz3fv5y]

John Sweeney did make a deal with kate Forbes curupt party in Scotland the SNP

[@deadpoolghst7644]

Go on 💪🏼

[@susandouglas4470]

NO , NO , NO. We do not want a 3rd in house elected First Minister. Nobody from NS office should be allowed to take over, we NEED a complete change of applicants. In fact this Scottish Govt. should be put into 'special measures ' UNTIL the Scottish people are ALLOWED to vote. All of these associates of NS office, must have known or heard rumours about missing monies etc and the Police should thoroughly investigate the lot of them. I don't trust ANY of them and their should be a vote of NO confidence NOW.

[@chiefgilray]

And who do you want in, more corruption from Labour, lib dems and the tories

[@kirsteneasdale5707]

It is not the Scottish People who choose the FM. Anyone who is an MSP can stand for FM. It is the Parliament (sitting MSPs) who choose the FM (whether that is after an election or after an FM steps down. I encourage you to watch some of the proceedings in the Parliament, especially FMQs. You’ll learn a lot, and you’ll be able to hear and see debates for yourself rather than second hand through the media (sometimes I wonder if some of these so called journalists actually watch the debates when I read some of the nonsense they write).

[@chiefgilray]

@@kirsteneasdale5707 that's not how the unionist hive mind works... Its a cult

[@lizwood510]

Can we now castigate and ridicule the Scots for having two unelected leaders. Ms Sturgeon and her ilk viciously attacked the hated tories when they went through the same situation.

[@kirsteneasdale5707]

No you can’t because unlike the Westminster system, the First Minister is an elected MSP who is chosen by the majority vote of their fellow MSPs, and not by the electorate or by one party. I hope that clears up your misunderstanding.

[@martindornan1667]

It's the Scottish parliaments MSPs from all political parties who vote in the First Minister of Scotland.

[@Popcat2008]

Got themselves a white boy in time for the general election 😢