AN SNP activist set to challenge John Swinney for the party leadership has withdrawn his candidacy after a “lengthy and fruitful conversation” between the pair.
Graeme McCormick – a retired solicitor who has served as convener of the SNP’s Dumbarton branch – was at the All Under One Banner march in Glasgow on Saturday seeking to gather the required support to stand for leader.
Last night, McCormick stated that while he had received the required 100 nominations from at least 20 SNP branches before Monday's deadline, he would not be proceeding with the bid to replace Humza Yousaf as party leader.
In a statement, he said: “I refer to my nomination to be leader of the SNP and would thank everyone from across the country who supported me. We met the thresholds set by the party rules.
“I’d also like to put on record my thanks to John Swinney MSP with whom I had a lengthy and fruitful conversation.
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“John and I agreed the challenges which the SNP, our Government and our people face, and explored new thinking on a range of issues which I am confident, as they are advanced, will inspire activists both within the SNP and wider independence movement in the following weeks and months.
“This is a fresh start for our members and our politicians, and I’m sure that John’s determination to deliver independence will be rewarded at the forthcoming General Election.
“I have therefore concluded that I shall not proceed with my nomination for party leader but instead support John Swinney’s nomination for party leader and first minister of Scotland."
Swinney is now set to face no opposition in the leadership contest, paving the way to Bute House.
McCormick could have forced a race that would have taken place between May 13-27.
If McCormick had won a leadership race against Swinney, the activist would not have been able to become first minister as he is not an elected member of the Scottish Parliament.
The activist reportedly told members he believes the roles should be run by two different individuals.
The veteran activist has previously been critical of the SNP-led Scottish Government, using last year’s party conference to criticise its independence strategy.
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