SCOTTISH LABOUR has repeated its call for an election as John Swinney awaits to be crowned SNP leader once more.

Mr Swinney faces no opposition to his return as party leader and first minister as tomorrow’s close of nominations approaches, 20 years after he was forced out of the role.

Acknowledging the party had gone through its most difficult period since his last stint as leader, he told Sky News today: “Every day that we spend in an internal contest, which I think we all probably know the outcome of, we delay the possibility for the SNP to start its rebuilding.”

While the lack of a contest may suit Mr Swinney, Scottish Labour’s Jackie Baillie said: “Scotland’s public services are in chaos and the ruling SNP is in disarray — but all they are offering Scots is today’s man and serial failure John Swinney.

“No Scot voted for first minister John Swinney or the latest collection of SNP politicians that will make up the next cabinet. 

“The SNP is denying democracy: that position is untenable.”