Swinney under fire over party aims

John Swinney and Alex Neil battle to become leader

A row has broken out in the Scottish National Party about the future direction of the organisation.

One MSP has attacked John Swinney, the favourite in the battle to succeed Alex Salmond as leader, claiming that he wants to pull the party to the right.

Gil Paterson said he was endorsing the other leadership candidate, Alex Neil, because he understood the impact of government policy on ordinary people.

A spokesperson for Mr Swinney said it was "utter nonsense" to suggest he wanted to move the SNP to the right.

This attack was the first broadside in the battle to succeed Mr Salmond.

Old wounds

Mr Paterson, a regional list MSP representing Central Scotland, said Mr Neil had a grasp of issues like poverty while John Swinney seemed "devoid" of understanding.

He is concerned that John Swinney wants to follow New Labour by appealing to business and home owners.

Mr Paterson said the SNP should be a party for everyone not just the well off.

He accused Mr Swinney of reopening old scars from the battles between left and right wing nationalists in the early 80's.

Mr Swinney's campaign manager said that was "utter nonsense".

Nicola Sturgeon said Mr Swinney would be campaigning on issues like health, poverty and housing and was perfectly happy with the party's left-of-centre position.

About 800 delegates will have a say in September on who leads the party into the general election.