Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Signals Openness to Backing Sarwar for First Minister
Alex Cole-Hamilton, the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, has indicated his potential willingness to support Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, in becoming first minister following the upcoming Holyrood elections. This move is framed as part of a broader effort to remove the Scottish National Party (SNP) from power after nearly two decades of governance.
No Pre-Election Deals or Alliances
However, Cole-Hamilton was quick to emphasise that there are currently no deals or alliances in place with Sarwar or the Labour Party ahead of the election. He stated that his primary focus remains on maximising the number of Liberal Democrat MSPs elected to the Scottish Parliament.
"First and foremost, there are no deals or alliances with Labour," Cole-Hamilton told the Press Association. "I'm focused on delivering as many MSPs as I can for the Lib Dems."
Polling and Parliamentary Dynamics
A recent Survation poll released on Tuesday suggests the SNP could secure 62 seats in the election, with Reform projected to win 19, Labour 18, the Conservatives 13, the Greens 10, and the Liberal Democrats 7. The Scottish Parliament requires 65 MSPs for a majority, but its design encourages coalition-building and minority governments, making post-election negotiations critical.
Cole-Hamilton highlighted that if an opportunity arises to "get rid of the SNP" and implement change aligned with Liberal Democrat values—such as fairness, healthcare improvements, cost-of-living reductions, and educational enhancements—he would consider it. "Scotland needs change, and if there is an opportunity to get rid of the SNP and deliver change with fairness in its heart, which shares our values, of course, we'll look at that," he explained.
Strong Stance Against SNP Leadership
Earlier this month, Cole-Hamilton made headlines by declaring he would rather resign as Scottish Lib Dem leader than allow SNP leader John Swinney to return as first minister. This underscores his firm opposition to the SNP's continued rule, which he and his party criticise for poor governance over the past twenty years.
During a tennis match in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire, with UK Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, Cole-Hamilton reiterated his party's readiness to serve. The event was portrayed as a symbolic gesture showing Lib Dem MSPs are prepared to take on leadership roles.
Party Momentum and Vision
Cole-Hamilton, whose party currently holds five MSPs, expressed confidence that the Liberal Democrats will become a "big player" in the next parliament. He outlined key priorities:
- Fixing the health service
- Driving down the cost of living
- Improving Scottish education
- Revitalising Scotland's economy
"The more MSPs we have, the bigger part we will play in the new Parliament," he added, emphasising that increased representation would enable greater influence on policymaking.
UK Party Leader's Perspective
Sir Ed Davey echoed this sentiment, noting the party's "momentum" following a successful general election in 2024, where they increased their seat count from 11 to 72. "We felt the wind in our sails," he said, criticising the SNP's long tenure as detrimental to Scotland.
Davey contrasted the Liberal Democrats' offer of "change with fairness at its heart" with what he described as divisive, right-wing alternatives from Reform and the Conservatives. "I'm afraid that's not true to Scottish values," he asserted, arguing that Scottish voters seek change consistent with their values, which he believes the Liberal Democrats embody.
As the election approaches, Cole-Hamilton's comments highlight the fluid and strategic nature of Scottish politics, where post-election alliances could reshape the leadership landscape, even as parties maintain independence in their campaigns.
