There are few things worse in politics than your opponent agreeing with you. Nothing is so exasperating as the sanctimonious, insincere smile of sympathy. John Swinney is enduring that particular pain right now – although, as an experienced operator, he is bearing the burden with fortitude.
There he was, all set to condemn the Chancellor’s budget. And what did she do, the rotter? She conceded his key advance demands. The First Minister called for “an end to austerity” in the public finances. Definitely delivered. We will look later at who picks up the tab. Mr Swinney had also urged changes to the fiscal rules to enable higher state borrowing. Once more, tick. The FM forced an ironic smile as he suggested his relentless logic had swayed the Chancellor.
The political landscape has just changed. Changed utterly. And, with a Scottish budget due early next month, the First Minister is left searching for a new narrative. I expect he will cope. But, for now, the momentum lies with Labour.
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In the Holyrood chamber, Anas Sarwar exuded Tiggerish glee as he listed at length the glory that is Reeves. The largest block settlement for Scotland in the history of devolution; a pay rise for the lowest workers; an extension to the fuel duty cut; GB Energy in Aberdeen; support for miners and others. “I could go on”, he chortled.
No doubt shortage of time prevented him from mentioning a £25bn burden on UK business; higher capital gains and inheritance tax, including on farmers; a hike in whisky duty; and the withdrawal of winter fuel payments from most pensioners.
Now, if your........