John Swinney has criticised the "constant crisis" within the Labour government at Westminster, vowing to deliver "swift and early action" from his new Scottish Government to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis. Speaking after being formally sworn in again as an MSP at Holyrood, the SNP leader contrasted his plans for helping those struggling with rising prices against the actions of the Prime Minister, whom he accused of being "almost entirely focused on saving his own job."
First 100 days pledges
Mr Swinney promised that the newly returned SNP Government would act quickly on manifesto pledges from the Holyrood election campaign, targeting rising food prices, cutting travel costs, and assisting first-time buyers. In its first 100 days, the minority SNP Government plans to introduce legislation for a price cap on essential food items, launch the First Homes Fund offering £10,000 for first-time buyers, and extend the £2 bus fare cap to six additional local authority areas in Scotland.
Comparing Holyrood and Westminster
Mr Swinney stated: "Over the course of the election campaign, the people of Scotland were clear with me that the cost of living was their biggest concern. I pledged that doing everything I can to support people through it would be top of my agenda as First Minister – and that is exactly how I will govern." He emphasised that this approach contrasts with "a Westminster system which is in a state of almost constant crisis, and a Prime Minister almost entirely focused on saving his own job rather than providing the support people need."
His remarks came shortly before Wes Streeting resigned as UK Health Secretary and called on Sir Keir Starmer to resign. Mr Swinney claimed: "While the SNP Government is bringing down costs where we have the powers, the UK Labour Government is consumed with chaos." He earlier compared the "calm and elegance" of the Scottish Parliament to the "utter chaos" at Westminster, where speculation over a leadership challenge to Sir Keir continues.
SNP's fifth term
Mr Swinney expressed "enormous pride" at being the first MSP sworn in as leader of the largest party at Holyrood, noting the SNP secured a record fifth consecutive term despite a reduction in MSPs from 64 to 58. He said: "I'm delighted to have got to this point where I've led the SNP to a fifth successive victory and to have a commanding position in Parliament, and I look forward to forming a government next week."
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, when asked about Westminster turmoil, said he had "not even been following what has been happening at Westminster" and declined to comment on potential leadership contenders, only noting that Angela Rayner being cleared by HMRC over stamp duty was a "very good thing."
