Who is in the Running to Replace Humza Yousaf as SNP Leader?
The Scottish National Party (SNP) is facing a significant challenge as it looks for a successor to Humza Yousaf, who recently announced his resignation. With limited contenders possessing the necessary experience and profile to lead the Scottish government, the party is left with a small pool of potential candidates. In this article, we will explore the individuals who may step up to become the next leader of the SNP.
John Swinney: A Safe Pair of Hands
John Swinney, a former SNP leader and trusted deputy first minister, is widely regarded as a safe choice to lead the party. At 60 years old, Swinney’s long experience and track record as a bipartisan, shrewd, and centrist figure make him a favored candidate among the party’s mainstream members.
Despite initially expressing reluctance to run, Swinney may consider standing as the unity candidate, avoiding a bitter contest. His ability to command a majority at Holyrood and gain support from the Greens could give him an advantage over other potential candidates such as Kate Forbes. Swinney’s experience in various roles within the party, including leader, has provided him with a deep understanding of SNP politics and the mechanics of government.
Known for his quiet charm and steeliness, Swinney is considered a seasoned negotiator. He received praise for his protracted negotiations with Westminster after the Smith commission, which granted additional powers to Holyrood following the 2014 independence referendum.
Kate Forbes: A Strong Contender
Kate Forbes, a socially conservative former finance secretary, emerged as a strong contender in last year’s leadership contest. At 34 years old, Forbes came close to winning the party leadership after Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation in February 2023. However, she lost to Yousaf by a narrow margin of 48% to 52%.
Forbes’ opposition to the Scottish Greens on various policy issues, including tax policy, climate, gender recognition, bottle recycling, and Sturgeon’s center-left policy agenda, has made her popular among certain factions within the SNP. However, her vocal disagreements with the Greens may hinder her chances of gaining their support in the SNP’s minority government at Holyrood.
Despite these challenges, Forbes has been careful to avoid controversy and suspicions of courting SNP members as a future leader. She rallied behind Yousaf during the recent Scottish Greens crisis, positioning herself as a unifying figure within the party.
Neil Gray: The Affable Health Secretary
Neil Gray, Scotland’s health secretary, is often tipped as a potential future leader of the SNP. The 38-year-old Orcadian, known for his affable and pleasant demeanor, represented Scotland as a 400m runner before entering politics.
Gray’s relative inexperience compared to other potential candidates may be a drawback. He became an MSP in May 2021, succeeding veteran ex-minister Alex Neil, and joined Yousaf’s cabinet as the economy secretary before assuming the role of health secretary after a cabinet reshuffle in February 2024.
As a Sturgeon loyalist, Gray has demonstrated his commitment to the party and its policies. His appointment as health secretary, arguably one of the most challenging policy portfolios, showcases his dedication and willingness to take on important responsibilities within the SNP.
Jenny Gilruth: A Loyal Minister
Jenny Gilruth, an MSP since 2016, has served as a minister since 2020 and currently holds the position of education secretary. The 39-year-old politician has proven her loyalty to Nicola Sturgeon and her legacy.
Gilruth’s partnership with former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale adds to her political connections and influence within the party. Her experience on the culture desk, as minister of transport, and in her current role as education secretary has provided her with a diverse skill set that could benefit her if she decides to run for SNP leader.
Other Potential Candidates
The pool of potential candidates for SNP leader is limited due to the convention that the party leader also serves as Scotland’s first minister. This rule excludes any MPs, including the party’s Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn.
Angus Robertson, the Scottish government’s most experienced cabinet secretary and former SNP Westminster leader, was initially considered a likely candidate following Sturgeon’s resignation. However, without significant support from his colleagues, Robertson promptly ruled himself out of the race for family reasons.
It is worth noting that the SNP’s leadership race is dynamic, and new candidates may emerge as the contest unfolds. The party will need to carefully consider the qualities, experience, and support of each potential candidate before making their decision.
Conclusion
As Humza Yousaf steps down as SNP leader, the party faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement. John Swinney, with his extensive experience and centrist approach, is seen as a safe choice, while Kate Forbes brings a strong following despite disagreements with the Scottish Greens. Neil Gray and Jenny Gilruth also present themselves as potential leaders, each with their own strengths and connections within the party.
While these individuals may be the current frontrunners, the SNP’s leadership contest is fluid, and new candidates may emerge. The party will need to carefully evaluate the capabilities and support of each contender to ensure they choose a leader who can effectively guide the party and represent the interests of the Scottish people.
