John Swinney has warned the rise of Reform in Scotland “must be confronted” as a new poll suggests Nigel Farage’s party is set for a major breakthrough at Holyrood.
The First Minister told the Record today he would never “cosy up” to the right-wing populist movement which could replace the Conservatives as the main opposition party across the UK.
It comes after a survey of Scots’ voting intentions predicted Reform could return 15 MSPs at the Holyrood election next year – enough to hand them huge influence if no party wins an overall majority.
The Survation poll puts the SNP on 53 seats – well short of the 65 needed for a majority – but comfortable ahead of second-placed Labour on 24.
The survey put the Conservatives and Reform in joint third place on 15 seats each, the Liberal Democrats on 12, and the Scottish Greens on 10.
Asked if he was concerned Reform could end up kingmakers at Holyrood, the First Minister said: “I think what’s note worthy of the poll is the strength of the SNP position, given the challenges and difficulties we’ve faced, particularly back at the general election.
“I think what that indicates, and perhaps confirms is my view the SNP is recovering from its difficulties, but has perhaps not yet fully recovered by the time we get to 2026.”
Asked if he was worried by the rise in support for Reform, the First Minister added: “I think it’s got to be confronted. I don’t agree with the outlook of Reform.
“I talked earlier about the welcoming of people who come from other countries as migrants into our country to make a contribution. That has always been view, it will always be my view, that will not the view taken by those who either advocate for Reform, or those who are prepared to cosy up to Reform.
“And I will not cosy up to Reform. I will confront them.”
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