SHIFTS in leadership can often herald new eras of promise and challenge. John Swinney’s ascension to SNP leader and first minister is certainly a time of promise – but a promise with an ask.

His leadership is gathering us to an assembly point and as someone who has consistently demonstrated steadfast leadership, Swinney’s plea, “Unite for Independence”, isn’t just a slogan – it’s a call to all who envision a sovereign Scotland to remember what we are all in this for.

Reflecting on this moment in time, it’s clear that John’s bid to lead was never about political continuity, a slight which the opposition would love folk to believe.

It is about harnessing collective wisdom and experience to propel us toward our national ambitions.

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With a General Election on the horizon and the ongoing discourse surrounding independence, his approach of seasoned leadership is precisely what we need to steer the conversation towards substantive, uniting goals.

It’s a steady welcoming hand I will certainly be reaching out to grab.

John’s long-standing service and previous tenures in various capacities have not only earned him respect across the political spectrum but also solidified his reputation as a leader capable of bridging divides.

This ability to cultivate consensus is more than a political skill, it’s a foundational quality that can help stabilise our movement during choppy times.

The concept of being a “broad church” movement has always brought its challenges and we have never disputed that.

We recognise that diversity of thought and approach can lead to friction.

But with clear, non-negotiable boundaries that safeguard our core values and protect the most vulnerable, compromise within our ranks can lead to a stronger, more resilient coalition.

John’s leadership style, which emphasises unity and collective action, is geared towards embracing this diversity without losing sight of our shared goals.

Throughout history, the power of unity in politics to advance a cause has been demonstrated, while divisions within movements have often led to their failure.

For example, leaders of the American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, such Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, and many others, brought together people from diverse backgrounds and ideologies under a shared goal of racial equality and justice.

The Indian independence movement against British colonial rule is another classic example of unity in diversity.

The National: John Swinney gave his acceptance speech at Glasgow University after being apointed the new leader of the SNP

Mahatma Gandhi and others, despite having different ideologies and strategies, came together under a common cause.

This unity was pivotal in galvanising a vast and diverse population across different regions, languages, and religions.

A great example of grassroots empowerment was, of course, the French Revolution – but its fragmentation provides a stark lesson in how internal divisions can derail a movement.

Initially united against the monarchy, the revolutionaries soon splintered into factions, each with differing views on the direction of the revolution.

Looking at perhaps more extreme outcomes, the dissolution of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s shows us how internal divisions can lead to severe consequences.

The federation was made up of various ethnic groups and religions, which, under the leadership of Josip Broz Tito, had co-existed relatively peacefully.

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However, after Tito’s death, nationalist sentiments surged, and leaders from different republics pursued conflicting interests.

These examples are profoundly important to learn from, and to recognise that while unity can harness collective strength towards a common goal, leading to positive change and cohesion, division can lead to instability, conflict, and regression in political movements.

At this moment, unity is more than a strategic advantage for the independence movement – it is a necessity.

Amid sometimes unsettling public discourse, our detractors and cynics lie in wait, eager to capitalise on any sign of discord.

The distasteful cartoon depicting SNP leaders highlights the type of adversarial politics we battle against.

Unfortunately, like many other politicians, I have had death threats and one was themed in the same way.

That imagery, coupled with personal threats – like those I’ve sadly experienced this week – highlights the urgent need for a political environment where respect and civility are paramount.

Encouraging participation in politics, especially among women, remains a significant challenge.

The call for thicker skins often translates to a harsher, more alienating political landscape, one where empathy and accessibility are sidelined.

As we envision an independent Scotland, we must foster a political culture that is not only inclusive but also supportive and nurturing.

John Swinney’s vision for unity and his proven ability to govern with both sensitivity and strength can guide us toward this goal.

We can rally behind John, knowing that each of us has a distinct role to play that is welcomed.

From grassroots supporters to party stalwarts, our collective effort to maintain a disciplined, coherent and civil discourse will define our path forward.

We are at our best not when we echo in chambers of agreement but when we constructively resolve our differences in private, without succumbing to the spectacle often favoured by the media and those who seek to break us up.

This movement, energised by hope and guided by a renewed focus on what truly matters – people, community, cost of living support, and the right to self-determination – is where our future lies.

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John’s leadership offers not a continuation of past policies but a rejuvenation of our fundamental objectives.

The fact that he is older and wiser, with the advantage of having been there before, will give us the upper hand.

The opposition parties know this, and as we have seen in recent days, they will make this personal.

There doesn’t seem to be a moment recently where we haven’t stood on the brink of potential monumental shift, both within Scotland and across the broader UK political landscape, but our resolve must be stronger than ever.

Let’s unite under the banner of informed, compassionate leadership with John Swinney at the helm, driving us not just towards independence but towards a new era of Scottish politics characterised by inclusivity, respect, and enduring commitment to our common good.