AN SNP activist who party chiefs feared would spark a leadership challenge against John Swinney has withdrawn from the race.
Mr Swinney’s coronation as an unopposed candidate could have been wrecked by little-known activist Graeme McCormick grabbing enough nominations by noon tomorrow.
2
But the ex-solicitor announced tonight he was withdrawing from the race altogether.
Writing in Bylines.scot, Mr McCormick said on Sunday night that he and Mr Swinney had agreed on what challenges are faced by the Scottish Government, the SNP and the people of Scotland.
He said they “explored new thinking” on a number of topics which will “inspire activists both within the SNP and the wider independence movement in the following weeks and months”.
In a statement, he said: “I refer to my nomination to be Leader of the SNP and would thank everyone from across the country who support me. We met the thresholds set by the Party rules.
“I’d also like to put on record my thanks to John Swinney MSP with whom I had a lengthy and fruitful conversation.
“John and I agreed the challenges which the SNP, our Government and our people face, and explored new thinking on a range of issues which I am confident, as they are advanced, will inspire activists both within the SNP and wider Independence Movement in the following weeks and months.
“This is a fresh start for our members and our politicians, and I’m sure that John’s determination to deliver Independence will be rewarded at the forthcoming General Election.
“I have therefore concluded that I shall not proceed with my nomination for Party Leader but instead support John Swinney’s nomination for Party Leader and First Minister of Scotland.”
Most read in The Scottish Sun
More to follow…
For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Scottish Sun.
Thescottishsun.co.uk is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thescottishsun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheScottishSun.