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Scotland’s first minister has admitted that his Scottish National Party had a “credibility issue” over its recent record in government just days after the party suffered a decisive by-election loss.
Humza Yousaf, whose leadership has been dominated by a police investigation into the SNP’s finances, told the Financial Times his party had to do more to retain the support of voters concerned about issues including the cost of living.
“Let’s not beat around the bush, it was a difficult night,” Yousaf said on Monday. “We didn’t inspire people to come out. Whether I like it or not, and I don’t like it, there are people who need to be convinced about our delivery.”
The SNP suffered a crushing defeat to Labour in the recent Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election. The 20-point swing to Labour set the scene for a difficult SNP party conference which will begin in Aberdeen this weekend.
Labour’s win in last Thursday’s vote, which was triggered by the ousting of former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier for breaking Covid-19 rules, marked the biggest shift to the main opposition party in Scotland for years.
Polls have suggested Labour, which had just a single MP in Scotland before last week, could achieve a wider Scottish resurgence at the UK-wide general election expected next year.
The by-election loss means Yousaf is likely to be confronted by a “lot of angry people” at the SNP conference which starts in Aberdeen on Sunday, said James Mitchell, professor of public policy at Edinburgh university.
“Weak authority is beginning to drain away,” Mitchell said. “He is in trouble [and]. I don’t think he’ll survive the general election.”
One of his SNP predecessors, now leader of the rival pro independence Alba, Alex Salmond last week said Yousaf had “days” to save his job.
But Yousaf dismissed speculation over his own position, saying he expected to lead the SNP into the UK general election, due next year, as well as the one for Holyrood, due in 2026.
“I’ve never paid much attention to those who have written me off,” said Yousaf.
“The focus has to be on the fact that for some people in Scotland, and I will say I feel unfairly, there is a credibility issue that some people have for the SNP and the Scottish government.”
“My concentration has to be on making sure the party delivers. If we deliver, we’ll be seen as credible. And if we are seen as credible, people will continue to support us.”
The interview on Monday came as Yousaf’s in laws are trapped in Gaza. He told the FT his government “unequivocally” condemned the Hamas attack on Israel but called on the Israeli government not to “punish 2mn people for disgraceful actions of a few”.
Yousaf insisted the SNP would recover from its Rutherglen defeat by focusing on the cost of living crisis, the economy, the NHS and public services.
The first minister has faced criticism from opposition parties that the SNP is too focused on the question of independence when voters are concerned about other issues.
But Yousaf argued that his party could successfully make the point to voters that independence was the best route for Scotland to become a more prosperous and equal nation.
“The top three issues for people are the cost of living crisis and NHS and public services and the economy. And of course, for me, independence is linked to all three,” he said.
The SNP leadership hope that continuing to hold the most Scottish seats in Westminster at the next general election will grant the party a mandate to negotiate with the UK government on how to give “democratic effect” to Scotland’s independence. This could involve giving Edinburgh powers to hold another referendum or holding talks on the terms of separation.
Both the Conservatives and Labour have said they are opposed to another plebiscite after Scots voted by 55-45 per cent in favour of remaining in the UK in 2014.
Former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon’s attempt to force another vote was thwarted last year after the UK Supreme Court ruled the then first minister did not have legal authority to proceed without London’s agreement.
Emily Gray, Scotland managing director of Ipsos, said the SNP risked handing the initiative to Labour on issues that mattered most to voters.
“It [will be] quite concerning for the SNP If Labour starts to be seen by voters as the party that is best placed to tackle the cost of living crisis, because we know that’s what is very important for people.”
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