SNP activist aims to challenge John Swinney for party leadership

Graeme McCormick claims he will gather requisite number of signatures to force contest instead of unopposed coronation

John Swinney could face a leadership contest before he becomes Scottish National party leader after an activist said he expected to win enough nominations to stand.

Graeme McCormick, a well-known party activist who stood to become SNP president in 2023, claimed he would gather the 100 signatures needed from 20 different party branches to mount a challenge for the leadership.