Nicola Sturgeon has publicly criticized John Swinney and the Scottish National Party’s (SNP) approach ahead of the forthcoming election, raising questions about internal party dynamics. In a new foreword to her memoirs, the former First Minister, who served alongside Swinney as her deputy for nearly nine years, expressed sharp reservations about the party’s election strategy and policy direction since her departure.

Sturgeon, who led the SNP through turbulent periods including the internal conflict with Alex Salmond, characterized the party’s campaign under Swinney’s leadership as lacking “vision or big-picture thinking.” She also suggested that the broader electoral pitch was disconnected from pressing issues affecting voters. Sturgeon appeared particularly concerned about potential policy changes related to environmental issues, warning that abandoning the SNP’s current stance on drilling would constitute a “massive electoral blunder,” especially in light of the Scottish Greens’ recent electoral gains.

While acknowledging the SNP’s struggles in recent years, some party sources hold Sturgeon responsible for the party’s declining fortunes rather than Swinney. Critics within the party point to Sturgeon’s focus during her final years in office on contentious topics such as gender recognition reform and the controversial initiative to pardon historic victims of witch trials. Additionally, the SNP has faced reputational damage linked to legal issues involving Sturgeon’s husband, who was convicted and jailed for embezzling party funds. Swinney, who took over party leadership following Sturgeon’s resignation, has sought to improve governance and party management since then, but he has borne the political costs of the party’s faltering image.

Sturgeon’s recent remarks are not the first instance of public tension between the two figures. Following the party’s poor performance in the 2024 general election, Sturgeon attributed some responsibility to Swinney, accusing him of losing focus on the independence agenda. Insiders suggest that the SNP’s interests might be better served if some senior figures from previous administrations, including Sturgeon and Swinney, made way for new leadership.

Despite the criticisms, Swinney is known within the party for his patience and willingness to endure internal disputes, although some observers speculate his tolerance for public rebukes may be waning. The party now faces the challenge of reconciling internal divisions as it prepares for an important electoral test that will shape its future direction.