Scottish First Minister Rejects Claims of SNP Gender Bias Amid MSP Exodus

John Swinney denies the SNP has a 'woman problem' as 14 of 23 departing MSPs are female, citing broader issues of abuse faced by women in public life.

• A total of 23 SNP MSPs, including former First Ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, have announced they will not seek re-election in 2026, with 14 of them being women.
• John Swinney, Scotland's First Minister, dismissed claims that the SNP has a gender problem, attributing women's departure to widespread abuse faced in public and political life.
• Critics, including Scottish Conservative leaders, argue the departures highlight internal party issues and failures in leadership under Sturgeon and Swinney.
• Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry has alleged the party has failed to address abuse and threats against female members, citing personal experiences of harassment.
• Despite the departures, SNP leadership expressed confidence in the talent among new candidates, with several current and former MPs seeking election.

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