STEPHEN DAISLEY: Our political class had better start learning to pass themselves off as human or Reform will deliver a nasty surprise
It's not the done thing to say, 'I told you so.' Thankfully, I've never been one for the done thing.
So, to the political class: I told you so.
For some time now, this column has been warning the mainstream parties against complacency towards Reform. But that complacency carried well into the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, and now it's rude awakenings all round.
After the initial shock of Labour 's victory, politicians and pundits noticed something else about the result: Reform got 26 per cent of the poll. One in every four votes cast went to Nigel Farage 's candidate, Ross Lambie. He came just three points shy of the SNP.
If that was replicated across Scotland in next year's devolved elections, we would be looking at a very different Scottish parliament. All of a sudden, the political establishment is very concerned about Reform and wants us to know they're Listening and Learning.
Yesterday on television, viewers saw a more meditative John Swinney than usual. The Nationalists had to 'win people back' by 'delivering on the issues that people are concerned about'.
The First Minister said he 'heard loud and clear' the message from the voters and recognised their priorities were the cost of living, public services, GP access and waiting lists. The SNP had to 'give people hope' on energy costs, too. He wanted Scotland to 'use our enormous energy wealth for the benefit of our people who are paying extraordinary high fuel prices'.
Who knew that nuking the oil and gas industry in exchange for a few headlines could have such a damaging impact? The time for delivering on what voters care about was the past 18 years, in which the SNP has commanded the Scottish Government and its vast array of powers. The electors were loud and clear about the cost of living. The SNP raised their taxes. They were loud and clear about waiting times. The SNP continues to miss their own targets for emergency and cancer treatment.
Swinney said voters needed hope. Fine. One question: why after almost two decades of SNP government are people still in need of hope?
The First Minister, like his two predecessors, is a managerial technocrat. He gets the line, he says the line, he holds the line, and it doesn't matter what the line is, just as long as it's the yellow team's line and not their red or blue rivals. Whatever youthful ideals and certainties might have brought him into the SNP, the Swinney of today is in politics to be in politics.
His chief contribution to the Hamilton by-election, beyond talking up Reform's chances, was the anti-'far right' summit to which he invited every party except Reform. We will probably never know what impact this spiteful display had on the voters of Hamilton, but it might have convinced some that the mainstream parties were all in it together and Reform the only challenge to their power.
Just as the sight of Labour joining forces with the Tories during the independence referendum drove some Labour voters to switch to the SNP, there is a chance this gathering had the same effect. The anti-'far right' summit might well have been Swinney's Better Together.
Post-election ruminations were not limited to the Nats.
In a blogpost, Ross Greer advises against echoing Swinney's anti-Reform strategy, which he believes will only squeeze out his party come election time. The Greens versus the SNP. As Henry Kissinger said of the Iran-Iraq war: 'It's a pity they both can't lose.'
Yet Greer says 'people are right to be angry' because 'the system is rigged' — not in favour of immigrants, but billionaires and second-home owners. He wants the Greens to take 'a greater focus on economic justice' but stresses that this shouldn't 'come at the expense of social justice'.
You don't have to strain hard to see the subtext: the Greens have been stalwart on rights issues (migrants, refugees, trans people) but have let their eye off the ball on economics. Another hint that Greer will stand for election to succeed Patrick Harvie.
But few Scottish politicians have been as focused on social justice as Greer. If it's not pronouns with him it's Palestine, and while these press the right buttons for the Greens' graduate, urban, professional voter base, they do nothing to confront inequalities in resources and opportunities.
Greer believes the answer is 'economic justice', which is what you call socialism when you don't want to remind people of all that unfortunate business about dictators and death tolls.
His prescriptions are wrong but not his analysis of the importance of economics. He frets about 'creeping fascism' but if authoritarianism takes root in economic despair, there is no fertiliser like a decadent, inward-looking ruling class.
As Scottish people struggle financially, they see the Greens champion their top priorities: gender self-identification and free bus travel for asylum seekers. Economics is reasserting itself as the primary language of politics. If the Greens don't become conversant in it, they could find themselves talking to fewer and fewer voters.
Popular discontent is also troubling Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay, who wrote in the Mail: 'I am listening, I get it and I understand how you feel. My party let you down in government and we accept responsibility for our mistakes.'
Coming within one percentage point of losing your deposit can inspire contrition that way. Introspection would have been better deployed during the 14 years when the Conservatives delivered a toxic cocktail of high taxes and low growth, more borrowing and worse services, spiking inflation and flatlining productivity.
They lost the confidence of the markets and paid a heavy political toll but nothing like the financial toll that befell ordinary families.
This in itself would be enough to merit a term or two on the opposition benches, but the Tories compounded their economic recklessness by losing all semblance of control over the UK's borders.
Unprecedented levels of legal and illegal migration have transformed communities, disrupted ways of life, strained services, drained budgets and provoked resentment within the native population. Nigel Farage will forever be in the Tories' debt for services rendered.
Findlay didn't cause his party's woes and is making a valiant attempt to set things right. The spirit of the times is anti-establishment and a political outsider ought to be well-placed to capitalise on this, but he is shackled by the Conservatives' record in government. Findlay is gutsy. He needs more people with guts behind him.
Reform's growing popularity is no great secret. A sizeable chunk of voters are drawn to Reform because it speaks about the issues that matter to them. Honestly, they're just relieved to encounter a political party that speaks to them without visible disdain.
You needn't be Reform to do this. Look at the winner in Hamilton. Labour's Davy Russell is not a political smoothie. I doubt if he can recite entire West Wing scenes from memory. I don't know his pronouns and I wouldn't care to ask him.
He is an ordinary bloke with an electoral mandate. His opponents derided him, the pundits dismissed him, the press disregarded him. Everyone was against him except the voters.
People aren't turning to Reform for its carefully costed policy platform. They are frustrated with a political class in which everyone looks the same, thinks the same, and talks like the same dead-eyed HR manager posting on LinkedIn.
I doubt my advice will be any more welcome this time, but to the political class: It's not complicated. Talk to people, listen to them, make their priorities yours, and try very hard to pass yourselves off as human.
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The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
SNP's Fergus Ewing to stand as an independent in 2026
The veteran MSP and former minister said his decision was 'not an easy one' but was driven by disillusionment with the direction of his party and the state of the Scottish Parliament. READ MORE Mr Ewing said his party had "deserted many of the people whose causes we used to champion". 'I have taken [the decision to stand as an independent] because I love the people of Inverness and Nairn and the people of Scotland more than my party, which I have been in for more than half a century,' he said. 'I believe the SNP has lost its way and that devolution itself, presently, is letting Scotland's people down.' Mr Ewing, first elected in 1999, served in the governments of both Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon. In recent years, however, he has become one of the SNP's most vocal internal critics, repeatedly challenging party bosses, particularly around the failure to dual the A9. He also criticised party policy on North Sea oil and gas, the proposed deposit return scheme, gender recognition reform, and plans for Highly Protected Marine Areas. He was suspended from the SNP Holyrood group in 2023 after voting against then Green minister Lorna Slater in a motion of no confidence, defying party whips. In March this year, he announced he would not stand for re-election as an SNP candidate, but threatened to stand as an independent. In a statement confirming that he would now contest the vote, Mr Ewing criticised what he described as the increasingly 'fractious and tribal' nature of the Scottish Parliament. 'Too much power rests unchecked in the hands of party leaders, free to choose candidates who will slavishly support them rather than stand up for the people who sent them to Holyrood,' he said. 'Choosing the pliant over the talented.' He added: 'It's time for Holyrood to live up to the high expectations people rightly held for it, when my mother, Winnie, reconvened our own Parliament in 1999. It came of age some years ago; surely now it's time for it to grow up.' Mr Ewing urged politicians in the main parties to work together, "whether in a grand coalition or a less formal arrangement", to reform public services and maximise economic growth. When approached by The Herald, Mr Ewing said he had not quit the SNP. However, in a statement, First Minister John Swinney said it "was with real sadness and deep regret that I heard of Fergus Ewing's decision to leave the Scottish National Party". The SNP constitution states that a member "may not contest or be a member of any organisation contesting elections in opposition to the Party", and that the National Secretary has the power to suspend a member who does. A party source said Mr Ewing's membership ceased when he declared their intention to stand against the party. In his statement, the First Minister said: "We have both served the SNP and the cause of independence for many years, and I commend him for all that he achieved while serving in the SNP Government until 2021. 'Fergus had the option of standing at the forthcoming election for the SNP, given his status as an approved candidate. He chose not to accept that opportunity, and I regret that he has ultimately decided instead to leave the party. 'The SNP approaches the 2026 election ahead in the polls, with growing support for independence, and I am looking forward to taking our positive, ambitious vision for Scotland's future to the people.' Earlier this year, there was speculation that Mr Ewing could be barred from standing for the SNP again. Although he ultimately passed vetting, the episode sparked tensions within the party. Former cabinet secretary Alex Neil said any move to deselect Mr Ewing would have triggered 'a massive revolt from both the public and within the party', describing him as 'one of the most effective MSPs in Scotland'. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, a close ally of Mr Ewing, also intervened in the row, urging the SNP to consider his 'long-standing contribution' to the party and its values. READ MORE Ms Roddick took to social media shortly after Mr Ewing's announcement to say the election was "about one person or one issue." She said: "I'm honoured to have been overwhelmingly backed by local members to stand as the SNP candidate for Inverness and Nairn. This is my home, and I care deeply about making it the best place to live, work and study. "I know how tough things are for many families right now and the scale of the challenges ahead of us. I've never stayed silent on the issues that matter and I won't start now. "I'm SNP because I believe a better future for the Highlands is possible with Scotland as an independent country - and that we only get there by working together. "This election isn't about one person or one issue - it's about who will actually deliver on housing, healthcare, the cost of living, and, of course, infrastructure like the A9. "You'll always get energy, hard work, and honesty from me because I believe the people of Inverness and Nairn deserve nothing less." 🧵 I'm honoured to have been overwhelmingly backed by local members to stand as the SNP candidate for Inverness and Nairn. This is my home, and I care deeply about making it the best place to live, work and study. — Emma Roddick MSP (@EmmaRoddickSNP) June 20, 2025 Shaun Fraser, Scottish Labour candidate for Inverness and Nairn, said he was not surprised by Mr Ewing's decision. He said: "It must have taken a lot of deliberation and heartbreak for Fergus to decide to stand against the SNP next year. His family pedigree runs through the history of the party like a stick of rock. "I can't say that I'm surprised by his decision, however – it's been a long time coming. Inverness and Nairn need a change of government at Holyrood; only Scottish Labour can deliver that. I wish Fergus well for his retirement after the election." Mr Ewing won the constituency in 2021, with 48% of the vote, and a majority of 9,114. Scottish Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain came second. He said: 'By standing as an independent Fergus Ewing has made it clear he simply cannot defend his party's record to voters while out on the campaign trail. 'The SNP have shamefully abandoned the Highlands over their 18 years in power. They continue to put lives at risk with their broken promises on dualling the A9 and A96. 'Countless public services have been downgraded or centralised away from rural and remote areas and there is a chronic lack of housing available to ensure local people can stay in these communities. 'Given someone who was born into the SNP won't stand under their banner, the anger among local voters will be palpable. Next year's election offers those in the Highlands and across Scotland a chance to remove the SNP from office and ensure the focus is finally on people's real priorities.' The Lib Dem candidate for Inverness and Nairn, Neil Alexander, said Mr Ewing should not be allowed to "walk away from the big part he has played" in the SNP's "record of failing the Highlands." He added: "While the two nationalists try to turn our constituency into a battleground for their party feud, I'm focused on what really matters to people here. 'I'm listening to residents across Inverness and Nairn, and the message is clear - we need real action on dualling the A9 and A96, proper investment in Raigmore Hospital, urgent improvements in mental health services and an end to the sewage scandal affecting our rivers and beaches."
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Ewing: 'Who, hand on heart, can defend the SNP's record?'
'It's a sad day,' he said. 'Lots of professional friendships, loyalties made me think very carefully before coming to the conclusion that I did, but it is the right decision, and it isn't a rehearsal we're in. So we have to try and do the right thing.' READ MORE Mr Ewing, who has represented the Highlands since 1999, said he could no longer "defend the indefensible" and that he believed the SNP's record in government had become impossible to justify — particularly in relation to the A9 and A96. 'And these are not just policies on paper, but they're things which have seen people lose their lives on the roads simply because, unlike in the central belt, our roads lack central barriers to prevent head‑on collisions.' His decision sets up a high-profile contest with the SNP's Emma Roddick in Inverness and Nairn, where he is defending a majority of 9,114. Mr Ewing served in the governments of Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon, but in recent years became one of the SNP's most vocal internal critics. He was briefly suspended from the SNP Holyrood group in 2023 after voting against Green minister Lorna Slater in a motion of no confidence, defying party whips. Fergus Ewing outside Holyrood (Image: Colin D Fisher/ Mr Ewing accused the SNP of abandoning traditional supporters. 'They used to stand up for oil and gas workers, farmers, fishermen. Now they insult farmers, want to stop fishermen from fishing with no scientific basis, and claim to support oil workers while refusing to allow new drilling,' he said. 'The coalition with the Greens was, in my view, the final blow. 'Just look at the facts: we've lost three-quarters of our MPs, 65,000 members, and 10 to 15 percentage points in the polls. That's about a third of our support. Who, hand on heart, can defend that record, and yet, that's really what they're doing.' Asked why he had made the announcement now, he said he had been 'wrestling' with his conscience for 'perhaps too long.' 'I've been disgruntled with almost every serious aspect of SNP policy, and I've said so.' What encouraged him was the 'overwhelming' level of local support — including from voters outside the independence movement. He said the timing was also practical — announcing before summer to allow him to campaign at local events like the Nairn Games and Inverness Show. 'I also didn't want to announce it after Parliament had gone into recess, because I think that would have made it look as if I was a bit cowardly, scared to go back and face my colleagues. 'I mean, since three-quarters of my SNP colleagues haven't talked to me for four years, then I don't really think there's going to be too much change.' READ MORE Leaving the SNP means surrendering access to party infrastructure and campaign data, but Mr Ewing said he remained undeterred. He was, he insisted, capable of winning. 'The idea that the SNP machine is a finely tuned Rolls-Royce is, sadly, not true. Headquarters was barely functioning at the last election. The machine is now out of oil and probably spends more time in the garage than on the road.' He added that around 20 volunteers were already on board: 'You don't need huge numbers to run a campaign. Twenty dedicated people are better than a hundred turning up for a selfie.' Mr Ewing said his re-election bid would be strengthened by the fact that, over more than 25 years as a constituency MSP, he had helped thousands of local people. 'List MSPs don't really do very much constituency work. I mean, they pretend to, but the truth is they don't. Not many constituents go to them. They don't know who they are.' Mr Ewing said the Parliament had become 'tribal and fractious,' and that more cross-party cooperation was needed, particularly given the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform UK. 'It may sound a bit naïve to say, well, parties can work together in Scotland, but it depends on the context. And if the context is Reform ends up with 32 seats and becomes the second-largest party, it might not be naïve — it might be necessary — for the other parties to stop their bloody bickering and get on with governing in a grown-up way,' he said. Despite his criticisms, Mr Ewing said he would continue as a 'critical friend' to the SNP and reiterated his support for Kate Forbes, though he stopped short of saying he would rejoin if she became leader. 'I was against the Green deal from the start. I was the only one who voted against it in the whole group, the only one. I was proven to be correct. But nobody has actually ever said we got it wrong. 'The SNP are like the emperor in the emperor's new clothes. They're in denial. And the trouble about that is that although — I'm not the wee boy that blew the gaff on the emperor and said he was naked, I'm a 68-year-old whippersnapper — nonetheless, the public can see it." In a statement, First Minister John Swinney said it 'was with real sadness and deep regret that I heard of Fergus Ewing's decision to leave the Scottish National Party'. He added: 'We have both served the SNP and the cause of independence for many years, and I commend him for all that he achieved while serving in the SNP Government until 2021. 'Fergus had the option of standing at the forthcoming election for the SNP, given his status as an approved candidate. He chose not to accept that opportunity, and I regret that he has ultimately decided instead to leave the party. 'The SNP approaches the 2026 election ahead in the polls, with growing support for independence, and I am looking forward to taking our positive, ambitious vision for Scotland's future to the people.'
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
Fergus Ewing would have won SNP Inverness and Nairn selection contest 'by a landslide' claim party insiders
EXCLUSIVE: Party insiders said the veteran Nationalist would have beaten Emma Roddick in the internal vote. Fergus Ewing would have won the SNP candidate selection contest for Inverness and Nairn if he had stood, party figures have said. The veteran Nationalist announced on Friday that he would stand as an independent at next year's Holyrood election. Ewing will go up against current Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick - who won the SNP contest. He has been the MSP for Inverness and Nairn since the Scottish Parliament returned in 1999 and was a minister for 14 years under Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon. A Holyrood SNP source said: "If Fergus stood for the SNP in Inverness and Nairn he'd have won the selection contest by a landslide." A second insider said: "It's well known Emma put all her focus into her plans to challenge Fergus, while Fergus used his platform to give a voice to his constituents so fair play to him for giving folk in Inverness a proper option. "There was a lot of talk about whether Fergus should pass SNP vetting and perhaps there should have been more of a focus on the suitability of the current SNP candidate for Inverness.' A third source also said that Ewing would have won the selection contest. Ewing has been a vocal critic of the Scottish Government and was particularly damning about the coalition agreement with the Greens. He spoke out against the deposit return scheme, gender reform, marine protected areas and what he said was a lack of support for the oil and gas industry. He defied the party whip to back a vote of no confidence in then-Green minister Lorna Slater in 2023. This resulted in him being temporarily suspended from the SNP Holyrood group. Ewing had confirmed in March that he would not stand for the SNP - blaming the Scottish Government's failure to dual the A9 and A96 roads. On Friday he said he would stand against the SNP next year: "This has not been an easy decision. I have taken it because I love the people of Inverness and Nairn and the people of Scotland more than my party, which I have been in for more than half a century." He said the Nationalists had "deserted many of the people whose causes we used to champion". He added: "I believe the SNP has lost its way and that devolution itself – presently - is letting Scotland's people down. It doesn't need to be this way. " Holyrood is more fractious and tribal than ever before. "Too much power rests unchecked in the hands of party leaders, free to choose candidates who will slavishly support them, rather than stand up for the people who sent them to Holyrood. Choosing the pliant over the talented." Fergus Ewing is the son of SNP legend Winnie Ewing, whose win in the 1967 Hamilton by-election was a historic breakthrough for the party. His sister Annabelle Ewing is the SNP MSP for Cowdenbeath. Labour candidate for Inverness and Nairn Shaun Fraser said: " Fergus has rightfully earned respect for calling out the failures of SNP government and the policies and priorities which have done so much damage to the Highlands and Islands. "The breakdown in his relationship with his party highlights again that the SNP has no concern for the Highlands." Roddick said: "Local members backed me overwhelmingly in the selection contest for Inverness and Nairn. "I have always stood up for the Highlands and spoken out on issues that affect all of us who live here; I've never been shy about doing so. "I am SNP because I share our principles and belief in Scotland - that, as an independent country, we can best serve the people I represent and work hard for every day. "That's why I have the backing of the local party, and I look forward to putting our positive vision across during the campaign." The SNP was approached for comment.
