‘Disastrous’: John Swinney facing SNP backlash after Hamilton byelection loss

Leader hears demands for a clearer vision focused on independence ahead of next year’s Holyrood elections

SNP activists and senior figures have vented their frustrations at their leader, John Swinney, after a “disastrous” byelection campaign that saw the party lose a pivotal Holyrood seat to Scottish Labour.

The party was also accused of running a “panicked” campaign that some believe pushed more voters towards Reform in last Thursday’s Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse byelection.