The final First Minister's Questions of 2024 concluded with more political rancour than seasonal goodwill, as opposition leaders clashed with John Swinney over a ministerial scandal and a deepening housing crisis. It fell to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar to finally extend Christmas wishes to colleagues, in a session that underscored the fractious nature of the Holyrood chamber.
Constance Apology Fuels Opposition Fury
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay remained incensed over the conduct of Justice Secretary Angela Constance. The row centres on Constance's claim that Professor Alexis Jay, chair of a major inquiry, shared her view on a sensitive issue. While the minister has since apologised to the professor privately, she has not corrected the public record and maintains she did nothing wrong.
Findlay accused Constance of knowing "she was wrong all along, but she tried to get away with it." He challenged the First Minister on why, if there was no breach of the ministerial code, an apology was necessary. Swinney defended his minister, stating she had addressed the relevant issues and had merely made "a general observation."
The First Minister's assertion that "people will take different conclusions about the words we use" did little to placate critics. Findlay branded the episode as showcasing a government that is "cynical and calculating, dishonest and devious."
Record Homelessness Overshadows Housing Claims
Shifting focus to a pressing social issue, Anas Sarwar confronted the First Minister with stark figures showing homelessness at a record high. Approximately 17,000 households are currently living in temporary accommodation in Scotland, a situation Sarwar linked directly to the SNP government's performance.
In response, John Swinney pointed to comparative housebuilding rates, arguing that Scotland is building "45 per cent more dwellings per head of population than in England and 69 per cent more than in Wales." This statistical defence was met with scepticism, highlighting a government tendency to counter criticism with data suggesting shortcomings are relative successes.
A Lone Moment of Cheer in Paisley
The sole moment of unbridled celebration came from SNP MSP for Paisley, George Adam. A fervent supporter of local football club St. Mirren, Adam celebrated the team's victory over Celtic, which he declared made them "the first fan-owned club to win a major trophy." He urged the First Minister to invite the squad to Bute House.
Offering dry congratulations, Swinney acknowledged Adam's "unbridled joy." This brief interlude of sporting pride provided a stark contrast to the otherwise combative and grim tone of the session, which concluded with the SNP still commanding a significant lead in the polls despite the controversies.
