Continuity still won’t cut it

Forbes declines the poisoned chalice leaving yesterday’s man as First Minister

The Scottish National Party has opted for a coronation and continutiy with the politics of decline. Three time loser John Swinney, who was a singularly undistinguished leader 20 years ago, is to lead the party to into its most difficult election in years. Last time he led the SNP into a general election, in 2004, the SNP returned all of 6 MPs against Labour’s 41. Gleeful opposition parties think history is about to repeat itself.

Under pressure from the SNP establishment, and with the welfare of her family in mind, the most able candidate for leadership, the former finance secretary, Kate Forbes, declined the poisoned chalice. Not perhaps surprising after the hostiliy she incurred for having the temerity to be a practising Christian in politics.

But she may have the last laugh as I’ll explain.