Achi news desk-
However, he said that while he wanted Mr Swinney to take on the role of SNP leader and First Minister, Ms Forbes should have a more senior role in government.
He said the party should not move forward in a way where it is a case of “business as usual” but that there is a need to govern differently as a minority in Holyrood.
“I voted for Kate Forbes last year because I was persuaded by her argument that ‘continuity won’t cut it’. A year on, I believe the more pressing need is unity and stability and that is something that John offers it,” he said.
“My preferred option would be John as leader with Kate coming into government in a senior role. I think that John’s skills and experience mean that he is in the best position to refocus the party and also in the best position to reach out to other parties in parliament.
“It offers the firmest foundations to build on. That’s not to say that John has these abilities and Kate doesn’t, but on balance, I think they’re made to a fuller and more developed degree.”
He added: “Kate is good but for this special moment John is better.
“If John were to become a leader and FM it should not be on a business basis as usual – a change is needed especially moving policy out of the majority mindset and into a more humble minority government mindset.
“Holyrood is not supposed to be a winner takes all parliament and a new FM would be wise to focus on power sharing which was one of the fundamental principles of parliament 25 years ago. As a country we are facing some very serious challenges and yet in the eyes of many, our politics have become too divisive and extremely frivolous.
“My view is that John is the person best placed to tackle this problem – with Kate as a key member of his team.”
