None of the candidates for the SNP leadership has declared yet, but it is shaping up to be a classic two horse race between the former leader, and Nicola Sturgeon bag man, John Swinney and the socially conservative former finance secretary, Kate Forbes. But in this race, they are both losers before they start. To turn to a chess metaphor, the SNP is caught in a zugzwang: they have to make a move but every move puts them in a worse position.
Kate Forbes is – shock – a practising Christian
First: the veteran ‘safe pair of hands’, John Swinney. He’s the not-so-fresh face of the ‘old guard’ who effectively blocked Humza Yousaf’s deal with Alex Salmond’s Alba. Swinney is the latest attempt by the SNP establishment to find a continuity candidate who’ll keep the faith of Saint Nicola of Trans and restore relations with the Scottish Green Party.
Swinney’s rival in this race-that-hasn’t-begun, Kate Forbes is – shock – a practising Christian. Worse,
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