SNP rebel Fergus Ewing has solemnly pledged to persist in the party, casting aside every extreme policy he identifies as potentially detrimental to the voters.

Through a decidedly candid interview, the ex-minister disclosed his intentions of appealing a suspension over voting against the government. He communicated unequivocally that he wouldn’t be suppressed. Ewing, aged 66 and anticipated to retire at the close of the current parliament, cautioned Humza Yousaf that he harbours no plans of retiring and clamours for a directional shift.

Also, the seasoned politician emphasized that he has no plans of switching to any other political platform. He reaffirmed his allegiance to SNP and stated his late mother – the esteemed nationalist Winnie Ewing – would be appalled at the “nonsensical and absurd” policy direction of the SNP and would have strongly supported his rebellious stance.

He voiced, “I’ve been a part of the SNP and the independence cause for fifty years, and I’m not intending to be coerced out of the party. My legal advisor and I believe we have a strong case. I cast my vote with my conscience and in the best interest of my constituents.”

Figure: Fergus Ewing and former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon once held an amicable relationship, now bitter and frosty.

He criticises the SNP’s association with the Green Party and states “We now appear to be causing them anguish with no tangible benefit”. He calls out ineffective laws and regulations being pushed; these include the deposit return scheme, the fishing ban, short term let regulations, and the Gender Recognition Reform Bill. He expressed, “Doing harm to voters with no benefit is an illogical and blatantly absurd political strategy. I want the SNP to reclaim its role as the party that advocates for Scotland and also as the party of efficient government – that’s what the public expects, and they have every right to demand this.”

His mother Winnie, an ex-MP, MSP, and SNP president, significantly contributed to growing the party into a winning electoral force until her death in June. Commenting on her influence, Ewing remarked, “I don’t think she would recognise the party right now, she would be horrified at what’s happening and if she was here she would be encouraging me.”

Ewing was subjected to disciplinary action for voting against Green circular economy minister Lorna Slater in a no-confidence vote over her handling of the now defunct deposit return scheme. Ewing further criticised controversial government policies on gender reform, the fishing ban in Highly Protected Marine Areas and the shortcomings in progress on dualling the A9.

The Glasgow MSP called for a revision of the agreement in which all households must replace gas boilers with heat pumps by 2030. However, he dismissed the notion that he would resign or that he might defect to Alex Salmond’s Alba Party.

He said, “I’m not implying that he should resign. He is young, enthusiastic, affable, and like any good leader, capable of adapting to change.”

He firmly states, members of the party should be humble, recognise and rectify their mistakes, and look over proper functioning and management of infrastructure projects, health services, and the education system. He essentially calls for a return to days when the SNP was known for its pragmatic government.

With regards to households swapping gas boilers for heat pumps by 2030, he said, “The idea of forcing people to spend £33 billion to replace perfectly good heating systems with heat pumps that wouldn’t even be effective in many properties is completely unaffordable and impractical.”

Ewing further emphasizes that it is not necessary for a captain to strike the iceberg directly – a change in course is well within possibilities. This veteran MSP from Inverness and Nairn shows no signs of stepping away anytime soon. He claimed, “Until the expiry of my health and partial obfuscation of my mind, I’ve got no intentions to retire.” The party, he believes, is undergoing a challenging adolescent phase after which it would mature and grow.

Over the years the SNP has delivered significantly – promoting free university education, free prescriptions, elderly travel concessions, among others. However, the party was more popular then and well-poised to achieve these feats.

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