The John Swinney has said the Scottish National Party is the only party aiming to win the upcoming Scottish Parliament election, setting out a pitch centred on independence, public services and economic control.

Speaking during the opening phase of the campaign, he argued that other parties are positioning themselves for second place rather than offering a clear route forward for Scotland.

He said an SNP majority would deliver what he described as a “fresh start” through independence, while also preventing figures such as Nigel Farage and the Reform UK from gaining influence in Scotland.

The SNP leader set out a series of proposals he said would form the backbone of the party’s offer to voters.

These include plans for 30 GP walk in centres operating seven days a week, expanded childcare provision from nine months old through to the end of primary school, and financial support of up to £10,000 for first time buyers.

Energy policy remains central to the party’s message, with a focus on gaining full control over Scotland’s resources in an effort to reduce household bills and retain revenue within the country.

The party is also continuing to push for a new independence referendum, framing it as an opportunity for voters to determine Scotland’s long term direction.

John Swinney said:

“Over the first full week of this election campaign, it has been clear that the SNP is the only party with a serious plan for Scotland’s future and is the only party serious about winning.

“On the biggest issue of the day the energy crisis hammering households in Scotland Reform and Labour have had nothing to say.

“Labour on both sides of the border are standing by and doing nothing while people in Scotland suffer.

“Labour has also given up on any pretence that they are seeking to actually win the election their energy is now focused entirely on ensuring they have the numbers to do a deal with Nigel Farage and the Tories after the election.

“That is one of the reasons that I am so determined to secure an SNP majority.

“The politics of Nigel Farage and Reform have no place in our society and an SNP majority will lock them out of power.

“And crucially an SNP majority will unlock the fresh start of independence that will allow us to bring down energy bills and make sure Scotland’s energy wealth works for us rather than flowing to the UK Government.”

The remarks come as political positioning sharpens ahead of the election, with parties increasingly focusing on energy costs, public services and economic stability.

With campaigning now fully underway, the debate is expected to centre on how Scotland responds to rising living costs and what powers are needed to address them.