2024 Scottish National Party leadership election explained

Election Date:29 April – 6 May 2024
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:2023 Scottish National Party leadership election
Previous Year:2023
Before Election:Humza Yousaf
After Election:John Swinney
leader
Candidate1:John Swinney
Popular Vote1:Unopposed

The 2024 Scottish National Party leadership election took place to choose the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) following the resignation of Humza Yousaf on 29 April 2024, amid a government crisis. Nominations closed on 6 May, with John Swinney emerging as the only candidate and was subsequently elected unopposed as the party's new leader.

In the previous election, held the year prior following Nicola Sturgeon's resignation, Yousaf successfully defeated Kate Forbes and Ash Regan in a leadership election that caused turmoil for the party with disagreements over the party's independence strategy and the controversial[1] [2] gender reform bill. Yousaf was subsequently appointed First Minister of Scotland. On 25 April 2024, Yousaf announced the end of his co-operation agreement with the Scottish Greens following changes to his government's climate policy. The Scottish Conservatives later called for a vote of no confidence in Yousaf, with all the main opposition parties, including the Greens, supporting the motion. Regan, who had become the Alba Party's sole MSP after resigning from the SNP in the aftermath of her leadership election loss, had indicated a willingness to consider voting to support Yousaf (which would have caused the no confidence motion to tie on votes and, as per tradition, been defeated via the presiding officer's deciding vote) in exchange for the government adopting Alba policies, but Yousaf rejected the deal and announced his intention to resign on 29 April.

Forbes, who placed as runner up in the previous election, was considered as a front runner to replace Yousaf, however, following Swinney's campaign launch on 2 May, she announced she would not run for leader and instead endorsed Swinney. This left him as the only candidate, with many prominent SNP members endorsing his campaign. On 5 May, party activist, Graeme McCormick, disclosed to media he had gathered the required nominations to run for leader; however, after holding talks with Swinney, he withdrew his candidacy and endorsed Swinney. This left him as the only candidate and he was elected unopposed as leader of the SNP on 6 May.[3]

Background

Following Nicola Sturgeon's resignation as leader of the SNP and as first minister, Humza Yousaf won the 2023 SNP leadership election, defeating Kate Forbes with 52% to her 48% in the final stage. Yousaf was appointed first minister on 29 March 2023, becoming the youngest person, the first Scottish Asian, and the first Muslim to serve in office. He was sworn into the Privy Council in May 2023.

In April 2024, Yousaf faced a confidence challenge following his termination of the Bute House Agreement between the SNP and their co-operation partners the Scottish Greens. This was following changes to landmark climate policy by Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy Màiri McAllan, after which a planned Greens vote on the continuation of the agreement was announced. Following the end of the agreement Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater, co-leaders of the Greens announced they would support a no confidence motion in Yousaf alongside the other opposition parties, meaning this would likely pass. Yousaf announced his resignation on 29 April 2024 before the vote could take place, triggering a leadership election.

Campaign

On 30 April, Forbes and Swinney held meetings to discuss the leadership.[4] Swinney announced Forbes would receive a significant role in his government if elected, and Forbes soon after announced she would not be standing.[5] Following Swinney's election, this was later enacted with Forbes appointed as his Deputy First Minister and the new Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic.[6]

Veteran activist Graeme McCormick announced to the press that he believed he had the 100 nominations necessary on 5 May.[7] Later that day, after having a conversation with Swinney, he withdrew from the race and endorsed Swinney.[8]

Candidates

Explored

The following individuals initially explored a candidacy but later withdrew:

Declined

The following figures were speculated to be candidates by the media but declined to run:

Endorsements

John Swinney

Members of the Scottish Parliament

Members of Parliament

Opinion polls

Scottish public

Notes and References

  1. News: 2023-03-01 . SNP leadership: Candidates disagree on next step for gender bill . 2024-05-06 . BBC News . en-GB . 6 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240506223609/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-64814112 . live .
  2. Web site: Why is Scotland's gender recognition reform bill controversial? . 2024-05-06 . Sky News . en . 26 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231226210405/https://news.sky.com/story/why-is-scotlands-gender-recognition-reform-bill-controversial-12788818 . live .
  3. Web site: Angus . Cochrane . John Swinney wins SNP leadership unopposed . 6 May 2024 . BBC News . BBC . 6 May 2024 . 6 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240506114117/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c72pk2qpqevo . live .
  4. News: 2024-05-01 . Kate Forbes and John Swinney hold talks about SNP leadership . 2024-05-05 . BBC News . en-GB . 2 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240502111638/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-68939241 . live .
  5. Web site: 2024-05-01 . John Swinney looks set to be first minister as Kate Forbes backs him . 2024-05-05 . BBC News . en-GB . 5 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240505195156/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c88zvgl9y9go . live .
  6. Web site: 2024-05-08 . Swinney appoints largely unchanged Cabinet but Forbes returns as his deputy . 2024-05-08 . The Independent . en . 9 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240509160204/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/john-swinney-cabinet-humza-yousaf-forbes-court-of-session-b2541717.html . live .
  7. Web site: 2024-05-05 . SNP leadership: Veteran activist in bid to stop John Swinney's coronation . 2024-05-05 . The Herald . en . 5 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240505232748/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24298666.labour-pushes-holyrood-election-swinney-cusp-fm/ . live .
  8. Web site: SNP leadership challenger Graeme McCormick pulls out of race . 2024-05-05 . Sky News . en . 6 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240506005612/https://news.sky.com/story/snp-leadership-challenger-graeme-mccormick-pulls-out-of-race-13130302 . live .
  9. News: Johnson . Simon . Sanderson . Daniel . 29 April 2024 . Kate Forbes 'seriously' mulls run to replace Humza Yousaf as SNP leader . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240429190930/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/04/29/kate-forbes-seriously-mulls-run-replace-humza-yousaf/ . 29 April 2024 . 30 April 2024 . The Telegraph . 0307-1235.
  10. Web site: Meighan . Craig . 2024-05-02 . Kate Forbes rules herself out of SNP leadership contest . 2024-05-02 . STV News . en-GB . 2 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240502124349/https://news.stv.tv/politics/kate-forbes-rules-herself-out-of-snp-leadership-contest-to-replace-humza-yousaf . live .
  11. Web site: 2024-04-29 . Who Is In The Running To Succeed Humza Yousaf As SNP Leader? . 2024-04-29 . HuffPost UK . en . 29 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240429114521/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/who-is-in-the-running-to-succeed-humza-yousaf-as-snp-leader_uk_662f5af7e4b07e006614f628 . live .
  12. Web site: Forrest . Adam . 2024-04-29 . Six predictions of who could replace Humza Yousaf as SNP leader . 2024-04-29 . inews.co.uk . en . 29 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240429114914/https://inews.co.uk/news/scotland/predictions-humza-yousaf-snp-leader-replacement-3029958 . live .
  13. News: Carrell . Severin . 29 April 2024. Who is in the running to replace Humza Yousaf as SNP leader? . 29 April 2024. The Guardian . 0261-3077 . 29 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240429114521/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/apr/29/who-running-replace-humza-yousaf-snp-leader-scottish-national-party . live.
  14. News: McCurdy . Rebecca . 29 April 2024 . Who may succeed Humza Yousaf as Scotland's first minister? . 29 April 2024 . Evening Standard . 29 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240429114522/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/forbes-humza-yousaf-nicola-sturgeon-scotland-derek-mackay-b1154417.html . live.
  15. News: Johnson . Simon . 29 April 2024. Who could replace Humza Yousaf as First Minister of Scotland? . 29 April 2024 . The Telegraph . 0307-1235 . 29 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240429114521/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/04/29/who-could-replace-first-minister-yousaf-hollyrood/ . live.
  16. News: 29 April 2024 . Humza Yousaf just quit. Here's who could replace him as Scotland's leader. . 29 April 2024 . Politico . 29 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240429114521/https://www.politico.eu/article/humza-yousaf-quit-first-minister-scotland-successor/ . live.
  17. Web site: 2024-04-29 . John Swinney Favourite To Be Scotland's Next First Minister As Rivals Row In Behind Him . 2024-04-29 . Yahoo News . en-SG . 29 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240429185953/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/john-swinney-favourite-scotlands-next-155759887.html . live .
  18. Web site: Archived copy . 30 April 2024 . 30 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240430153911/https://twitter.com/neilcgray/status/1785191463535473031 . live .
  19. 1784994541734342679. MairiMcAllan. 29 April 2024. I'm very pleased that @JohnSwinney is considering going forward to be next leader of @theSNP and First Minister of Scotland. He is profoundly experienced and a unifying figure with a deep commitment to public service. He has my wholehearted support..
  20. Web site: Who could replace Humza Yousaf as Scotland's first minister? . 2024-04-30 . Sky News . en . 29 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240429190904/https://news.sky.com/story/who-could-replace-humza-yousaf-as-scotlands-first-minister-13125590 . live .
  21. Web site: 2024-04-29 . Senior SNP figures back John Swinney to succeed Humza Yousaf as First Minister . 2024-04-29 . . en . 29 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240429191642/https://www.thenational.scot/news/24284997.john-swinney-responds-speculation-next-first-minister/ . live .
  22. GraemeDeyMSP . 1784996991820267771 . Graeme . Dey . Graeme Dey . But we have to look to the future and appointing a new leader and, I hope, First Minister who can lead us forward. Time will tell who ultimately seeks that honour but I am pleased that John Swinney is at least considering putting himself forward. (6/) . 29 April 2024 . 30 April 2024 . 30 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240430151423/https://twitter.com/GraemeDeyMSP/status/1784996991820267771 . live .
  23. glasgowcathcart . 1785258860057440663 . James . Dornan . James Dornan . He is well respected, and feared, across all parties, committed fighter for social justice and passionate believer in Scotland's right to determine own future. If he decides to stand, couldn't think of anyone I'd rather have than John to lead us through these testing times. . 30 April 2024 . 30 April 2024 . 30 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240430151237/https://twitter.com/glasgowcathcart/status/1785258860057440663 . live .
  24. _KateForbes . 1786015896491716862 . Kate . Forbes . Kate Forbes . John will therefore have my support and endorsement in any campaign to follow. I sincerely thank every party member, and each of my parliamentary colleagues in Holyrood and Westminster, who have been in touch to urge me to stand. /9 . 2 May 2024 . 2 May 2024 .
  25. neilcgray . 1785191463535473031 . Neil . Gray . Neil Gray . Yesterday was a sad day, but today we must move forward. I believe Scotland now needs stability, experience and diplomacy to lead us forward. I hope @JohnSwinney will stand to be the next @theSNP leader and First Minister of Scotland as he brings all those qualities and more. . 30 April 2024 . 30 April 2024 . 30 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240430153911/https://twitter.com/neilcgray/status/1785191463535473031 . live .
  26. Web site: Rona Mackay MSP on Twitter . 30 April 2024 . 15 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230315115511/https://twitter.com/RonaMackaySNP . live . (See retweets of endorsements by Màiri McAllan and Keith Brown)
  27. PaulMcLennan7 . 1785981910839181336 . Paul . McLennan . Paul McLennan . @JohnSwinney Delighted to see John announce his candidacy- he will bring focus ; unity and determination to the role of FM - pleased to announce I will be supporting him . . 2 May 2024 . 2 May 2024 .
  28. jenni_minto . 1785971347144708238 . Jenni . Minto . Jenni Minto . An excellent speech which serves as a brilliant example of the leadership offered by @JohnSwinney - he has my full support to unite our party and lead Scotland to independence . 2 May 2024 . 2 May 2024 .
  29. EmmaRoddickSNP . 1785967621319324114 . Emma . Roddick . Emma Roddick . Great to hear @JohnSwinney focusing on tackling the cost-of-living crisis & growing support for independence. We don't yet have a clear, sustained majority. A revitalised SNP working to help folk is what we need to get the future we need: a fair, equal, independent Scotland . 2 May 2024 . 2 May 2024 .
  30. KevinStewartSNP . 1784956850594598933 . Kevin . Stewart . Kevin Stewart (Scottish politician) . If John Swinney chooses to stand as SNP Leader & First Minister, and I hope that he does, he will have my vote and my full support. John has the experience, the knowledge and the ability to lead our party, do what's best for all Scots and to move Scotland on to independence. . 29 April 2024 . 29 April 2024 . 30 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240430153952/https://twitter.com/KevinStewartSNP/status/1784956850594598933 . live .
  31. EvelynTweedSNP . 1785017243975475478 . Evelyn . Tweed . Evelyn Tweed . @JohnSwinney is a man of much experience and has the skills to provide unity and will work constructively for the benefits of Scotland. If he runs, as I hope he will, he has my full support. . 29 April 2024 . 30 April 2024 . 30 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240430154006/https://twitter.com/EvelynTweedSNP/status/1785017243975475478 . live .
  32. ElenaWhitham . 1784954794970329397 . Elena . Whitham . Elena Whitham . have always found @JohnSwinney to be a man of integrity with a canny ability to work within and outwith our party. If he decides to put himself forward to help unite the SNP and focus on what matters most to the folk of Scotland - he has my support . 29 April 2024 . 30 April 2024 . 30 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240430153921/https://twitter.com/ElenaWhitham/status/1784954794970329397 . live .
  33. AmyCallaghanSNP . 1785046694977008061 . Amy . Callaghan . Amy Callaghan . I really hope John Swinney decides to stand. I believe he's the FM Scotland needs right now. . 29 April 2024 . 29 April 2024 . 30 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240430153915/https://twitter.com/AmyCallaghanSNP/status/1785046694977008061 . live .
  34. drewhendrySNP . 1785967513303486908 . Drew . Hendry . Drew Hendry . Reaching out with respect and courtesy. Reaching out to all parts of Scotland. Includes @_KateForbes as an important part of the journey. That's the @JohnSwinney I've been proud to work with on many issues across the Highlands. . 2 May 2024 . 2 May 2024 .
  35. AnneMcLaughlin . 1785981899929792602 . Anne . McLaughlin . Anne McLaughlin . Could not be happier about this. John commands a lot of respect, he understands this party & he understands government. More importantly he understands the Indy movement because he's been an active part of it all of his life. He is also, like NS &HY, selfless & full of integrity. . 2 May 2024 . 2 May 2024 .
  36. News: Blow to Forbes as former backer now backs Swinney . Kathleen . Nutt . . 30 April 2024 . 30 April 2024 . 30 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240430151531/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24288399.blow-forbes-former-backer-now-backs-swinney/ . live .
  37. News: Swinney 'considering' running to be next SNP leader as Yousaf quits . Katrine . Bussey . 29 April 2024 . 29 April 2024 . . en . 29 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240429191640/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/john-swinney-snp-pete-wishart-nicola-surgeon-nicola-sturgeon-b2536514.html . live .
  38. OwenThompson . 1785042583082651907 . Owen . Thompson . Owen Thompson . I really hope @JohnSwinney does decide to stand. He'd be an excellent First Minister and would certainly have my full support. . 29 April 2024 . 29 April 2024 . 30 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240430170954/https://twitter.com/OwenThompson/status/1785042583082651907 . live .

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