SNP warned of 'act of revenge' as one party could force humiliating Scottish snap election
If the Scottish Government's Budget fails to pass, First Minister John Swinney would likely be compelled to dissolve the government and call for an election.
Scottish Green co-leader Lorna Slater has reinforced the party's warning to potentially bring down the SNP Government, signalling a dramatic act of political revenge.
The Greens, already angered by Humza Yousaf’s decision to end the SNP’s coalition with them - after they gained just 92,685 votes (3.8%) in the general election - appear now to be setting their sights on John Swinney.
They are planning to oppose his Budget, which will be presented by Finance Secretary Shona Robison in December, with critical votes scheduled for January and February, the Scottish Daily Express reports.
If the Budget fails, the First Minister would likely be compelled to dissolve the Scottish Government and call for an election - which could lead to the ultimate humiliation for the party formerly led by Nicola Sturgeon.
A third-stage vote at the end of February could trigger an election six to eight weeks later, potentially coinciding with the English local council elections on May 1.
The SNP lost the vast majority of its seats in the House of Commons after the July 4 General Election, and a similar swing to Labour could result in a huge win for Keir Starmer north of the border in Holyrood.
The latest Green backlash stems from last week’s announcement by Shona Robison of £500 million in spending cuts and the removal of an additional £460 million from a net-zero fund. The following day, Swinney’s Programme for Government dropped several key Green-backed initiatives.
Speaking to Radio Scotland on Sunday morning, Ms Slater said: “I'll be honest, they cut all the Green stuff that we put in it.
“We worked very hard when we were in Government to make sure there was funding for nature restoration, for things like Zero Waste Scotland. The SNP has now rolled back on all of that.
“It doesn't look like they want our votes, so they'll need to get them from another party. It's hard to imagine who is going to sign-up for this Budget.”
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Mr. Swinney currently holds 62 MSPs, just three short of a majority. With John Mason, a fiery figure who is currently suspended by the SNP, likely to back the Budget, and the potential support of Alba's Ash Regan—though her previous offer was rejected by Mr. Yousaf - he still remains one vote short.
The three pro-UK, pro-Union parties are unlikely to lend their support, leaving the First Minister with little option but to attempt to placate the Greens by reinstating some of their milder policies.
However, given the tough financial climate and the likelihood of further deep spending cuts, meeting the Greens’ demands will be challenging.
Worryingly for Scots, the only remaining option may be significant tax increases to meet the Greens' political conditions.
When asked if her party feared a snap election, Ms. Slater responded: "The Greens are polling very well at the moment. We have a lot less to lose than the SNP."
She also reiterated her criticism of the Scottish Government for failing to deliver on its promise to provide free school meals for all primary pupils by 2026.
She said: “The universality of benefits is really important. It means you remove that stigma from poverty.
“If all children are receiving a nutritious meal at school at the same time then all children are being treated equally and fairly.
“The Scottish Government could be making different choices. For example, the Small Business Bonus Scheme, which is worth a quarter of a billion pounds, and shows no evidence of improved economic outcomes. That is something that could be redirected towards these services.”
