Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has warned that the Scottish Parliament's "days are numbered" if Reform UK leader Nigel Farage becomes Prime Minister. The stark alert comes as polls suggest Reform UK could finish second or third in Scotland's May elections.
Swinney told the Press Association that Farage holds Holyrood "in total contempt" and has been a "long-term opponent" of devolution. The SNP leader accused Farage of contesting the elections solely to undermine the institution.
«Nigel Farage has been a long-term opponent of the Scottish Parliament and devolution,» Swinney said in Cumbernauld. «He holds the Scottish Parliament in total contempt, so his contesting of the elections is just about trying to undermine the institution. And if Nigel Farage becomes the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, I think the Scottish Parliament's days are numbered.»
He urged voters to back independence to protect Scotland's self-government: «That's why people in Scotland have got to vote at this election for independence to secure the self-government of Scotland.»
Farage's devolution record
As UKIP leader in 2014, Farage advocated for a «new constitutional settlement» in the UK, arguing England lacked a «fair voice» in the union. He called for «devolution that works for everybody» but has also previously demanded the abolition of the Barnett Formula, which determines Scotland's funding from Westminster.
Reform UK has appointed former Tory minister Lord Malcolm Offord as its first Scottish leader. The party has allocated £1 million for its May campaign. Reform UK has been approached for comment on Swinney's warning.
SNP under pressure
The warning comes as the SNP faces its own challenges. The party has experienced declining membership and a falling number of MPs. Its finances are currently under investigation. Swinney insisted the party remains in a «strong financial position» and predicted «a very significant and comprehensive and well funded election campaign.»
Scottish Labour recently received a six-figure donation from billionaire businessmen Sandy and James Easdale.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
