SNP leader steps aside after 'disappointing' Euro poll

The leader of the Scottish National Party, John Swinney, has said that he will step down following the party's poor performance in the European elections.

Speaking at a press conference in SNP headquarters this morning, Mr Swinney said that after reflecting on the European elections results, he had decided not to seek re-nomination as leader.

The SNP won one seat and garnered just 19.7% of the vote – representing a 7.5% loss on the last European elections. Mr Swinney had pledged to overtake the Labour Party in the poll, who in the end achieved 26% of the vote.

The 40-year-old representative confirmed that he would continue as MSP for North Tayside.

"It has become clear to me over the last few days, that the constant and relentless speculation over my position is obscuring – and crucially in my judgement, will continue to obscure - the political objectives of the SNP," he said.

"I have come to the view that the SNP cannot make the electoral progress I believe is possible, if our vital political message is communicated through an endless debate about my leadership.

"As someone who has devoted all of my adult life to the cause of Scottish Independence, that is something I cannot allow to happen," he said.

Mr Swinney, who led the party for four years, said that the SNP has enjoyed a turnaround in fortunes from the days when he first joined in 1979. His party had developed a "coherent" economic message, and now had "more credibility on key public service policies than at any time in our history".

But despite this progress, the voters did not consider the SNP to be an alternative government in waiting, he said.

"As leader I take full responsibility for the fact that that we have not made as much progress in these areas as I would have liked," Mr Swinney added.

The outgoing leader warned of the dangers presented by "the loose and dangerous talk of the few", and appealed for party unity.

Nominations for the leadership race began today and Mr Swinney's successor is expected to named on September 3.

(gmcg)