‘It’s a big call’: New SNP leader gambles his premiership on top job for rival

Newly appointed First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and deputy First Minister Kate Forbes speak to the media outside Bute House on May 8, 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

However, Ms Forbes has retained a strong base of support inside the SNP membership, and among MSPs and MPs at Holyrood and Westminster.Mr Swinney put SNP “unity” at the heart of his pitch to lead the party. He moved to end any bad blood between Ms Forbes and senior SNP figures by offering her a return to cabinet role at a one-on-one meeting last week.

Mr Swinney – who had previously questioned whether it was “appropriate” for someone with her views on gay marriage to lead the party – said: “I will be the first minister for everyone in Scotland, whether those people are in the LGBT community or not.”the move to bring Ms Forbes into the fold was “really good news”. The Forbes backer said he hoped she can “move the dial” when it comes to the SNP’s policy agenda and electoral fortunes.

He added: “She is popular with the people who like to drive in the middle lane, like most of us. They’ve been dismayed with the Scottish Government hanging about on the left, and they’ll now – at the very least – take another look.”Geoff Aberdein, Alex Salmond’s former chief of staff, said polling which shows the SNP slipping behind Labour in Scotland had “focused minds”. He toldHolyrood Sources

Shona Robison, the previous Deputy First Minister and economy chief, saw her role reduced to Finance and Local Government Secretary. Otherwise, the cabinet remains unchanged.

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