Inside the SNP civil war

Anas Sarwar was still cock-a-hoop at his party's surprise victory in the Hamilton , Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election.

SNP was widely expected to retain the seat including by its own leadership but lost out.

First Minister John Swinney 's judgement has been called into question due to his decision to frame the contest as a two -way battle between the Nats and Reform.

Sacking the party leader less than a year away from the next election would only send a message that the party, and the independence movement, has thoroughly lost its way, and its nerve.

John Swinney might not be the leader they desire, but he is the one they have, and will have to do for now.