First Minister John Swinney endorses Martyn Day for Falkirk East and Linlithgow
First Minister John Swinney has given a full endorsement of Martyn Day’s candidacy for Falkirk East and Linlithgow, urging SNP members and voters to unite behind a campaign he described as “absolutely crucial” to Scotland’s future.
At a packed constituency event where the party formally adopted Martyn Day as the local candidate, Mr Swinney said:
“Martyn’s election at the Scottish Parliament elections in May is absolutely crucial for us achieving our political objectives as a party and to make sure we can win independence.”
He praised Day’s experience and long record of public service:
“Martyn is a proficient activist and organiser. He knows how to run and to win elections… As your Party Leader and as First Minister, I need Martyn to be elected.”
Mr Swinney used the event to highlight the SNP’s record in government and the importance of keeping Scotland on a different path from Westminster. He pointed to falling NHS waiting lists in Scotland, rising GP numbers, record investment in healthcare, the ongoing roll-out of walk-in GP clinics, and long-term improvements since devolution including expanded free childcare, rebuilt schools, falling child poverty, safer streets and record levels of affordable housebuilding.
“Self-government works for Scotland – and we need more of it,” he said, noting that Scotland’s NHS is performing better than the health service in England, and that Scottish choices continue to shield households from Westminster-driven pressures.
Mr Swinney contrasted that progress with decisions taken by the Labour government at Westminster, including rising household bills, higher energy costs, and cuts to social security:
“If anyone wants to know what a Labour government in Scotland would be like, they can look at the chaos and wrong choices of the Labour government in London.”
He also stressed the importance of Scotland’s renewable energy wealth, arguing that independence would allow Scotland to use its low-cost electricity to cut bills and strengthen the economy.
“Winning matters — winning matters big-style — and winning matters for us next May,” he said. “The future of our country depends on exactly that.”
Martyn Day welcomed the endorsement:
“John Swinney set out clearly why this constituency will be pivotal. Scotland is achieving real progress by making our own choices — in the NHS, in childcare, in education, in the cost-of-living support families rely on. I want to ensure Falkirk East and Linlithgow is part of that progress, and I’ll work relentlessly to earn the trust of voters.”
Martyn Day is seeking election as the SNP candidate for Falkirk East and Linlithgow at the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.
