Kate Forbes has denied claims that she is planning to form a ‘shadow government’ to oust First Minister Humza Yousaf.
In a statement on social media, the SNP leadership race runner-up branded the rumours “ridiculous’’.
“I know people are desperate to see the SNP split and divided, but the challenges facing us as a country and a party require all of us to pull together,” the former finance secretary said at the weekend.
“I speak for myself, and I’ve been consistent since the leadership contest: we must be united and focused on what matters.”
“Ridiculous”, they may be, but these latest reports about behind-the-scenes shenanigans are indicative of the sense of turmoil that has engulfed the party.
The SNP crisis continues to worsen, as the party struggles to move on from the bombshell arrests of its former chief executive and party treasurer.
Both men were, of course, released without charge. But there has been no resolution or, indeed, explanation for the series of events that has threatened to bring the party to the brink.
And despite the denials from Kate Forbes’ camp, Humza Yousaf will be understandably spooked by the even the slightest suggestion of rebellion.
General Election casts shadow over Humza Yousaf leadership
The plot is said to be predicated on the belief that the SNP are set to lose a considerable number of seats at the next general election, which will be held at some point next year.
It makes sense that any would-be plotters might be eyeing up that date as an ideal point to make a move to replace Mr Yousaf.
But, given everything we know and – crucially – what we don’t yet know about the SNP financial and governance crisis, such a timeline reveals an astonishing lack of ambition from the disgruntled SNP rebels.
The idea that Humza Yousaf could be forced out before the next UK general election should be highly improbable.
The problem for the First Minister is that it is anything but.
Polling suggests voters weren’t particularly enamoured with Mr Yousaf to begin with. And that was before his party became embroiled in a high-profile financial probe.
I know people are desperate to see the SNP split and divided, but the challenges facing us as a country and a party require all of us to pull together. I speak for myself, and I’ve been consistent since the leadership contest: we must be united and focused on what matters.
— Kate Forbes MSP (@_KateForbes) April 29, 2023
While voters won’t get a chance to cast their verdict on the new First Minister until 2026, if polls start to show a significant dent in the SNP’s electoral prospects, that can only mean trouble for the man at the helm.
The anger of his colleagues and the wider SNP base could become a dangerous – potentially lethal – force.
And it is something that could be well be ignited by potential flash points in the months ahead.
Will SNP finances prove a reality check?
It is not beyond the realms of possibility that Nicola Sturgeon might soon be questioned by police, as her husband and the former SNP treasurer were.
Then there’s the not-so small matter of the looming deadline for the party to secure auditors and file accounts – a deadline which they are currently on course to miss.
Aside from being a concrete example of the party’s financial troubles, this would also mean a loss of nearly £1.2m of public funding for the SNP Westminster group and, as a result, potential staff lay-offs.
Mr Yousaf has stressed that the party’s finances are on a “steady footing’’. But there must surely come a point when these optimistic assurances that all is well make contact with reality.
When that moment comes, which it inevitably will in one form or another, the First Minister might find himself having to fight to defend the crown he has only just won.
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