FERGUS Ewing says he believes the SNP will “throw everything” against his attempts to be elected as an independent MSP next year.
The veteran politician also made a dig at the police investigation into his former party's finances, referring to a campervan, as he gave a broadcast interview.
Ewing, who is the son of SNP stalwart Winnie Ewing, announced his intention to run as an independent candidate for Inverness and Nairn on Friday – effectively challenging the selected SNP candidate Emma Roddick.
It is understood this led to him leaving the SNP, with whom he has been associated for 50 years, as party rules prevent such an action.
John Swinney has spoken of his “sadness and regret” at Ewing’s decision to leave.
Appearing on BBC Scotland’s Sunday Show, Ewing said: “First of all, I’m a Highland MSP, my job is to represent and speak out for the people that voted me in.”
He highlighted the “indefensible” failures to dual the A9 and A96 roads, also accusing the SNP of failing to support oil and gas workers.
He said: “I’m fighting to win. I had a large majority, a fairly large personal vote, I take nothing for granted.”
Ewing added: “I believe it’s the right decision, and I will be sure the party will throw everything into it – every effort, the kitchen sink, and perhaps even the camper van.”
A spokesperson for the SNP said: “We are the only party taking decisive action on the issues that matter most to people in the Highlands – making progress on dualling the A9, committing to action on dualling the A96, and investing record amounts to improve our NHS.
“The SNP is approaching next year’s election full of confidence – ahead in the polls and with growing support for independence – and we look forward to taking our positive vision for Scotland to people in Inverness and Nairn, and across the country.”
Following Ewing’s announcement on Friday, Swinney said: “It was with real sadness and deep regret that I heard of Fergus Ewing’s decision to leave the Scottish National Party.
“We have both served the SNP and the cause of independence for many years, and I commend him for all that he achieved while serving in the SNP Government until 2021.
“Fergus had the option of standing at the forthcoming election for the SNP, given his status as an approved candidate. He chose not to accept that opportunity and I regret that he has ultimately decided instead to leave the party.”
Tory MSP Edward Mountain responded to the Sunday Show interview, saying: “Fergus Ewing may have finally decided to quit the SNP, but he’s been prepared to stick with them for years, despite their numerous damaging failures.
“He condemns their focus on fringe issues such as gender self-ID and their opposition to oil and gas, but he’s still backing their most divisive obsession – breaking up the UK.”
