How John Swinney plans to put his stamp on the SNP as election looms

The article discusses John Swinney's plans to leave his mark on the Scottish National Party (SNP) as the upcoming Scottish election approaches. It highlights a renewed focus on the independence agenda within the party. Swinney, the Deputy First Minister, is seen as a potential successor to Nicola Sturgeon, the current SNP leader and Scotland's First Minister. The party is preparing for the Scottish election, which is scheduled for less than a year from now. The article suggests that Swinney aims to put his own stamp on the SNP, particularly on the issue of independence. This indicates a determination to maintain the party's commitment to the independence cause, which has been a central tenet of the SNP's platform. The article suggests that Swinney's plans to shape the party's direction come at a crucial time, as the SNP seeks to capitalize on the political landscape and secure a strong mandate from Scottish voters in the upcoming election.