Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has launched a blistering attack on First Minister John Swinney, demanding his immediate resignation over what he describes as the Scottish Government's catastrophic failure to deliver on key public services.
In a dramatic intervention at Holyrood, Ross accused Swinney and the SNP of presiding over a "litany of failures" that have left Scotland's essential services in crisis. The Tory leader's extraordinary demand comes amid growing scrutiny of the Scottish Government's performance across multiple sectors.
Catalog of Failures
Ross presented a comprehensive indictment of the SNP's record, highlighting several critical areas where he claims the government has dramatically underdelivered:
- Healthcare Crisis: Record waiting times and overwhelmed NHS services
- Education Decline: Falling standards and achievement gaps in schools
- Economic Stagnation: Poor economic growth and business support
- Transport Failures: Critical infrastructure projects delayed or abandoned
The Scottish Tory leader argued that these failures demonstrate a government that has "completely lost its way" and is no longer capable of addressing Scotland's most pressing challenges.
Political Pressure Mounts
Ross's demand for Swinney's resignation represents a significant escalation in political tensions at Holyrood. The First Minister, who recently took over from Humza Yousaf, now faces intense pressure from opposition parties even as he attempts to stabilise his administration.
The Conservative leader's intervention comes at a delicate time for the Scottish Government, which has been grappling with internal divisions and external challenges. Ross emphasised that mere changes in leadership within the SNP are insufficient, claiming that the party itself has "run out of ideas and energy."
Government Response
While the Scottish Government has yet to issue a formal response to Ross's specific demands, previous criticisms have been met with assertions that ministers remain focused on delivering for the people of Scotland despite challenging circumstances.
Political analysts suggest that Ross's aggressive stance may be aimed at capitalising on recent polling that shows growing dissatisfaction with the Scottish Government's performance among voters. However, the ultimate impact of this dramatic call for resignation remains uncertain in Scotland's complex political landscape.
