Achi news desk-
“We have many talented people leading the work of the Scottish Government. I want Kate Forbes to play a significant role in that team.
“She is an intelligent, creative, thoughtful person who has a lot to contribute to our national life.
“And if I am elected, I will make sure that Kate can make that contribution and that she will be part of a united team that pulls the whole party together which gave my deep, deep commitment to the SNP. I I believe that I am in the best position to put it together.”
Mr Swinney’s comments raise the possibility of a deal. The two have held talks in the days since Humza Yousaf’s resignation.
There is immense pressure on both to avoid a repeat of last year’s bitter and divisive contest.
READ MORE: Kate Forbes to make an announcement on the SNP leadership race
Mr Swinney said that as Scotland’s longest serving parliamentarian, he had a “tremendous record” and knew how to win elections.
He said: “I could have stood back and hoped others would sort things out but I’m too worried about the future of Scotland and the Scottish National Party to walk on.
“Having joined the SNP as a teenager, having helped bring my party from the fringes of politics into the Scottish government, served as senior minister for 16 years and helped steer Scotland so close to independence in 2014 i want to give. all I have in me to ensure the success of our cause.
“I believe I have the experience, the skills and I demand the trust and confidence of people across this country to bring the SNP back together again and get us focused on what we do it best, unite Scotland, deliver for the people and work to create the best future for our country.”
Mr Swinney said the party “didn’t operate as one big unified team.”
“But what I am absolutely certain of is that if the SNP gets together it will be a tremendous force for good in Scotland and a tremendous force for success in Scotland as well, and that’s what I offer”.
Questions have been raised about how long he would look to stay in office, with some suggesting he would stand down to make way for a new boss after the next Holyrood vote.
Mr Swinney said he would not be an “interim leader” or a “caretaker”.
He said: “I propose to lead my party through the Westminster elections, to lead us beyond the 2026 elections, into contests, which I intend to win for the SNP and for Scotland”.
Asked if he would serve a full term until 2031, he said he would.
READ MORE: SNP leadership contest: Swinney and Forbes hold ‘secret talks’
Nominations are due to close at midday next Monday. If the two hopefuls can strike a deal, and no third candidate emerges it could mean Scotland has a new Prime Minister within the week.
If there is a contest, voting will open on 13 May and run for two weeks until 27 May.
Mr Swinney has been an MLA since 1999. Before that he led his party at Holyrood between 2000 and 2004 before being ousted by the “men in gray kilts” after a series of poor election results.
He told The Herald that he and the party had changed in the last 20 years.
“I am a different character to what I was then. I am a stronger character, who has done many difficult things. And I think that will be the mark of moving forward with my leadership within the party.”
During his speech, Mr Swinney also appeared to offer some mild criticism of the Bute House Agreement and the SNP’s relationship with the Scottish Greens.
“The climate crisis is a real and present threat to our society,” he said. “But we must design an approach to net zero that takes people and business with us.
“When resources are scarce, they must be used forensically to have the greatest impact on a challenge we face.
“The Government must use its powers and resources to support economic growth and to ensure that we create a vibrant economy in every part of our country.
“That means that all aspects of policy, of planning on skills and infrastructure, must be aligned to support our aim of creating a successful economy.”
Mr Swinney has held a host of cabinet posts, including education and finance. He served as Nicola Sturgeon’s deputy.
Senior members of the party, including Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray and Scottish Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, have already said they would support Mr Swinney if he decides to stand for election.
