SCOTTISH Tory leader Russell Findlay has been branded as the “shadowy face of populism” in a fiery clash with John Swinney.
At First Minister’s Questions, Mr Findlay mocked the SNP leader for having urged his political opponents to back the Nats’ Scottish Budget in order to thwart the “populist” billionaire Elon Musk.
He described Mr Swinney’s claims as “ludicrous” as he labelled his Nats’ rival the leader of “Scotland’s populist party”.
Mr Findlay told MSPs: “John Swinney said this week that if his Budget doesn’t pass, we are playing right into the hands of Elon Musk. Yes, you heard that right.
“So, the SNP’s Budget will cause misery to hardworking Scots and struggling businesses, but in the mind of Scotland’s populist First Minister, that’s a price we all must pay to defeat the shadowy forces of populism.
“Was it John Swinney’s New Year’s resolution to distract from his failings by making ludicrous claims such as this?”
But, hitting back at his Scottish Tory rival, Mr Swinney said: “I can see the shadowy face of populism right in front of me just now.”
Mr Findlay responded: “It’s really something to hear John Swinney of all people preaching against populism – the leader of Scotland’s populist party, the party of blaming others, sowing division, fantasy promises of easy fixes.
“John Swinney sounds like a serial arsonist suddenly warning people about the risk of fire.”
