John Swinney is facing mounting criticism from SNP activists and senior figures after the party's 'disastrous' defeat in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse byelection, which saw Scottish Labour take the seat. The result has sparked internal demands for a clearer vision focused on independence ahead of next year's Holyrood elections.
Critics have accused the party of running a 'panicked' campaign that centred on framing the contest as a two-horse race between the SNP and Reform UK, a strategy that some believe pushed voters towards Labour. Former SNP MP Tommy Sheppard described the approach as a 'disaster', arguing it legitimised Reform as a serious contender.
At a fractious MSP group meeting on Tuesday, Swinney defended the strategy, saying it was based on doorstep feedback. However, a senior backbencher suggested he had 'panicked' at the growing support for Reform, which secured 26% of the vote. 'He talked about Reform too much and not enough about Katy. We didn't give people a reason to vote for us,' the source said.
Stewart McDonald, a former SNP MP, praised Swinney for bringing calm after turbulent years but urged him to modernise the party's campaign infrastructure and focus on tangible improvements in living standards and public services. 'This is the most effective way to ensure we win next year and answer many of the grievances driving people to Reform,' he said.
Another former MP warned that failure to pivot could cost the SNP the next election, calling it the 'last-chance saloon'. Swinney faces further questioning at the SNP's national executive committee meeting on Sunday, where insiders expect demands for a renewed independence-focused vision.
