SNP and Labour can't be anti-Reform choice; Scottish Greens can
Any SNP leader would struggle to make them credible as an anti-Reform option. They have been the party of government for the best part of two decades. The anger people feel about the decline in public services is squarely on them.
But Mr Swinney's bland managerialism just adds to their problems.
Patrick Harvie was absolutely right to call this out recently at his last ever FMQs as co-leader of the Scottish Greens.
Since taking charge, John Swinney has watered down rent controls, stopped legislation to help get homes off expensive fossil fuels, abandoned human rights and equality laws, and ditched environmental action such as creating a new national park.
Fighting Reform demands action, not inaction.
Labour is no better, though.
Despite having the keys to power in Westminster for a lot less time, Labour can't shake the self-inflicted harm of welfare cuts, winter fuel, and keeping the two-child cap that is driving their slump in the polls.
Even more limiting in them being seen as an anti-Reform option is their penchant for lapping up Reform talking points. It is a fundamental error to think you can beat the far right by copying the far right.
Reform's politics are poisonous and divisive and must be opposed head-on.
Greens are ready and able to do this.
We know that the millionaires behind Reform are not on the side of working people. We know the solutions they are selling are nothing but snake oil, scapegoating migrants for our problems when the real threat is those who are hoarding vast wealth. We know that the enemy of the people arrives by private jet, not by dinghy.
Greens can also demonstrate a deep connection to communities when there is widespread distrust in the political establishment.
In the last council elections in Glasgow, Green votes went up everywhere, but they went up the most where there already was a Green councillor. When people have a Green representative, they want to keep them.
In contrast, Reform councillors just don't seem up to the job.
This week, I called out Cllr Thomas Kerr. He defected to Reform in January but hasn't said a peep in Council meetings since. He's not asked a question on behalf of his constituents or spoken up in important debates, and he sat on his hands during the budget in February.
All while taking a wage out of taxpayers' pockets. He has more time for the TV cameras than he does for his constituents. That's not good enough.
As a party, the Greens have work to do. We are selecting our Holyrood candidates and that is a chance for us to present a fresh face to voters. We can also learn from others on the left who are sharpening how they communicate and connect on issues that matter.
But it is increasingly obvious that the only credible anti-Reform option in Scotland is the Scottish Greens. Join us.
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