John Swinney acceptance speech from harrogate borough council tax Watch Video

⏲ Duration: 11:21
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✓ Published: 06-May-2024

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John Swinney acceptance speech<br/><br/>What are the key challenges facing John Swinney as First Minister and SNP leader?<br/>Mr Swinney was confirmed as the new leader of the SNP on Monday<br/><br/>John Swinney will not have his troubles to seek. The new SNP leader, who will become Scotland’s seventh first minister this week, inherits a number of problems both in his party and in the country at large. He will be all too aware of the difficulties ahead.<br/><br/>His predecessor, Humza Yousaf, never really managed to get on the front foot. Within days of him taking office last year, the police investigation into the SNP’s funding and finances exploded into the headlines. It has haunted the party ever since.<br/><br/>Mr Swinney will seek to heal internal divisions and boost his party’s fortunes in the polls ahead of an expected general election later this year. He has also emphasised the importance of economic growth. So what are the key challenges he faces?<br/><br/>A clear vision<br/>Mr Swinney will want to set out a clear strategic direction for his party. This is something his predecessor arguably struggled to do. Mr Yousaf hiked income tax for higher earners at the same time as freezing council tax, which some saw as sending a muddled message.<br/><br/>“Is this a guy who has demonstrated clear strategic direction?\