John Swinney has insisted “the momentum is with the SNP” as voters in Scotland prepare to go to the polls in two days.
With “just days left” in the election campaign, the Scottish First Minister and SNP leader urged voters to back his party, saying this would “elect a government on Scotland’s side that will support people during tough times”.
He highlighted the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the election campaign ahead of speaking to voters in the Highlands – saying the area had been “on the front line” as energy and fuel prices have risen.
And he sought to contrast his government with that in Westminster, claiming that the Labour administration there “sits back and provides no help”.
We want to lower your bills.
— The SNP (@theSNP) May 2, 2026
On Thursday, make it both votes SNP for a government on Scotland’s side with the trusted, experienced leadership of John Swinney. pic.twitter.com/eUwzlFvToL
However, Mr Swinney said the SNP had put forward “positive, ambitious policies to support people with the cost of living”.
The SNP manifesto for Thursday’s elections includes plans to act to curb the cost of essential food items, as well as plans to roll out a £2 cap on bus fares.
Mr Swinney said: “There are now just days left in this campaign and it is clear that the momentum is with the SNP as our positive, ambitious policies to support people with the cost of living are heard.
“There are now only days until we have the opportunity to elect a government on Scotland’s side that will support people during tough times.”
The First Minister continued: “I want to take action to support people – reducing the cost of people in Scotland’s daily commute, capping the cost of essential foods in supermarkets and bringing down electricity bills with the fresh start of independence.”
But claiming that rival parties are “trying to stop” the SNP from bringing in such policies, he added: “The best way to ensure we can deliver is by electing a majority SNP government.”
This, he said, would help support people with the cost of living, while also keeping Nigel Farage and Reform UK out of power.
An SNP majority win could also give Scots the “fresh start of independence”, the First Minister added.
He told voters: “We have to make it happen. That opportunity is in Scotland’s hands and on Thursday we can grasp it by voting SNP for a government on Scotland’s side and for my reliable, trusted leadership that will support people with the cost of living.”
