Overview

• John Swinney, Scotland's First Minister, expressed deep concern over the possibility of Nigel Farage becoming the next UK Prime Minister, calling it a 'high likelihood.'
• Reform UK has seen significant polling gains over the past year, with projections indicating potential wins in Scotland's Holyrood elections next year.
• Swinney announced plans to host a political summit next week aimed at forming a united front to block Reform UK's influence in Scotland.
• The upcoming Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, triggered by the death of Scottish minister Christina McKelvie, is viewed as a potential breakthrough for Reform UK.
• Swinney criticized Farage for using Scotland as a platform for divisive rhetoric, while Reform UK figures claim Scotland will play a key role in Farage's bid for leadership.